Romans 3:24-25 (Devotion)

 Christian Devotion: Romans 3:24-25 

Scripture Reading:

“and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins.”

Reflection

In these verses, Paul unveils the heart of the gospel, a truth central to the faith: 

we are justified by God’s grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone. 

The words leap off the page with divine clarity—our salvation is not earned, but freely given. 

Verse 24 declares that we are “justified by his grace as a gift.” 

Justification means God declares us righteous, not because of our works, but because of His unmerited favor. 

This is no small thing! We, who were dead in sin, utterly incapable of saving ourselves (Romans 3:23), are made right with God through His grace. 

This gift flows from the sovereign love of God, not from our merit. 

In God’s electing grace He chose us before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4), and here we see its fruit—free justification.

The means of this justification is “through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” 

Redemption evokes the image of a slave being purchased and set free. Christ’s death on the cross paid the price for our sin, liberating us from its bondage. 

This is not a transaction we initiated; it is God’s work from start to finish. 

As believers, we rest in the truth that our salvation is entirely God’s doing, secured by the finished work of Christ.

Verse 25 introduces the profound concept of “propitiation by his blood.” Propitiation means that Christ’s sacrifice satisfied God’s wrath against our sin. 

God’s justice demanded payment for sin, and in His love, He provided the payment—His own Son. This act displays God’s righteousness, showing that He does not overlook sin but deals with it decisively. 

In His divine forbearance, God passed over former sins, not ignoring them, but pointing forward to the cross where justice and mercy meet.

This truth calls us to awe and humility. We bring nothing to the table but our sin, yet God provides everything—grace, redemption, propitiation—all received by faith. 

Faith is not a work we muster; it is the empty hand that receives God’s gift. 

As John Calvin wrote, “We are saved by faith alone, but the faith that saves is never alone.” True faith, given by God, transforms us to live for His glory.

Application

1.  Rest in Grace: Reflect on the truth that your justification is a gift. When guilt or doubt creeps in, remember that Christ’s blood has fully paid your debt. You stand righteous before God because of Jesus, not your performance.

2.  Trust in Christ’s Work: 

The cross is enough. Let go of any temptation to add to Christ’s finished work. Your salvation is secure in Him, not in your efforts.

3.  Live by Faith: 

Faith receives this gift and responds with gratitude. How can you live today in a way that reflects the freedom and joy of being justified by grace?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your grace. Thank You for justifying us freely through the redemption in Christ Jesus. Your Son’s blood has satisfied Your righteous wrath, and by faith, we receive this gift. Deepen our trust in Your sovereign grace, and let our lives reflect the gratitude of those redeemed by Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.