Day 1: The Righteousness of God

Scripture Reading

Romans 3:21-22 (CSB) 21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction.

Commentary

God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law, highlighting a transformative truth: we cannot earn our way to righteousness through our own efforts. The law points out our shortcomings, acting as a mirror to show us our need for salvation. Yet, through Jesus, God offers a new path to righteousness—a path based not on deeds but on faith.

This profound shift underscores the importance of faith in our walk with God. The righteousness of God is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ, breaking down barriers of ethnicity, background, or past failures. It’s an invitation to experience God’s grace and stand righteous before Him, not because of what we have done, but because of what Jesus has done on our behalf.

Reflection Questions

1. What does it mean to be righteous in the sight of God?
2. How does understanding that righteousness comes apart from the law change your perspective on God’s grace?
3. In what ways have you tried to rely on your own efforts to achieve righteousness?
4. How can faith in Jesus transform your approach to life’s challenges?

Thought of the Day

God’s righteousness is a gift, accessible not through our works, but through faith in Jesus Christ.

Song 

“By Faith” by Keith and Kristyn Getty

Prayer Focus 

Thank God for the gift of His righteousness through faith. Ask for the strength to rely on Him rather than your own efforts.

Day 2: Saved Through Faith

Scripture Reading 

Romans 3:22-23 (CSB) 22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Commentary 

Sin levels the playing field for humanity, as all have fallen short of God’s glory. This truth eliminates any sense of superiority or self-righteousness, reminding us of our collective need for salvation. However, the availability of God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus highlights God’s incredible grace and unites believers under one common need and one common Savior.

This section of Scripture urges us to embrace humility—acknowledging our shortcomings and total dependence on God’s provision through Christ. The call to faith is universal, and the response is deeply personal, inviting us to trust in Jesus actively and completely for our salvation and righteousness.

Reflection Questions

1. How does acknowledging that “all have sinned” affect your view of others?
2. What does it mean for you personally to believe in Jesus for righteousness?
3. In what ways can you foster a humble spirit in response to your understanding of sin and grace?
4. How does this passage inspire you to share the message of faith with others?

Thought of the Day 

Faith breaks down barriers and unifies us in our shared need for God’s grace.

Song

 “Amazing Grace” by Chris Tomlin

Prayer Focus 

Pray for a humble heart, recognizing your need for grace, and ask God to help you extend that grace to others.

Day 3: Justified by Grace

Scripture Reading 

Romans 3:24 (CSB) 24 They are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

Commentary 

Justification stands as a divine declaration that believers are right with God, not because of their merit, but through His grace. This grace comes freely, offering redemption through Jesus—a gift we could never earn or afford. The justice of God demands accountability for sin; yet, through Jesus’ redeeming sacrifice, God graciously provides a way to meet that demand.

This grace is transformative, freeing us from the weight of sin and self-righteous striving. It allows us to live in the reality of redeemed life, where our identity is no longer tied to our past failures. Instead, it is intricately connected to the grace and redemption found in Jesus.

Reflection Questions

1. How does understanding justification as a free gift change your perception of God’s love?
2. What areas of your life need to be aligned with the truth of being justified by grace?
3. How has your perspective of redemption in Christ freed you from past burdens?
4. In what ways can you show God’s gracious love to others who need to experience redemption?

Thought of the Day 

God’s grace redeems us, freeing us and declaring us righteous in Christ.

Song

 “This is Amazing Grace” by Phil Wickham

Prayer Focus

 Thank God for His grace that justifies and redeems. Ask Him to show you how to live in that freedom each day.

Day 4: Propitiation through Christ

Scripture Reading 

Romans 3:25 (CSB) 25 God presented him as the mercy seat, by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed.

Commentary 

The term “propitiation” refers to Jesus as the sacrificial atonement for our sins, satisfying the just wrath of God. By presenting Jesus as the mercy seat, God demonstrates His righteousness and fulfills both His justice and mercy. Jesus’ shed blood satisfies the penalty of sin, allowing God to be both the just and the justifier.

This pivotal act shows God’s immense love and wisdom. Jesus’ death was not just a cover-up for sin but an assurance that God’s justice was fully satisfied. It underscores the sobering reality of sin’s cost, while simultaneously highlighting God’s incredible mercy and grace extended to humanity through faith in Christ.

Reflection Questions

1. What does the concept of propitiation teach you about the cost of sin?
2. How does knowing that God provided a way through Christ to satisfy His justice affect your gratitude towards Him?
3. In what ways does this understanding change how you view the cross and Jesus’ sacrifice?
4. How can you live in the light of God’s justice and mercy daily?

Thought of the Day 

Through Jesus, God’s justice is satisfied, and His mercy is extended to us abundantly.

Song 

“In Christ Alone” by Stuart Townend & Keith Getty

Prayer Focus 

Thank God for Jesus, who was presented as the mercy seat for your sins. Reflect on His sacrifice and ask God for a deeper understanding of His justice and mercy.

Day 5: Living Righteously by Faith

Scripture Reading 

Romans 3:26 (CSB) 26 God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

Commentary

God’s demonstration of righteousness in Jesus reveals the core of the gospel: while God is impeccably just, He also justifies those who have faith in Jesus. The dual roles highlight His perfect character, ensuring the righteous standard is upheld while providing a means for us to be deemed righteous through faith.

This passage calls believers to a life marked by faith—a faith that trusts in God’s justice and His generous act of justification. It’s a faith that moves us towards His likeness, inspires righteous living, and encourages us to reflect His grace and justice in our interactions.

Reflection Questions

1. What importance does God’s dual role as just and the justifier hold for your faith journey?
2. How does He empower you to live in righteousness today?
3. Where can you demonstrate God’s justice and mercy in your community or family?
4. In what ways can your faith inspire others to seek after God’s righteousness?

Thought of the Day 

Live in gratitude for God’s justice and embrace the freedom to walk in His righteousness by faith.

Song 

“Living Hope” by Phil Wickham

Prayer Focus 

Pray for guidance to live righteously by faith. Ask God to help you be a light of His justice and grace in the world around you.