Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Romans 3:21-26 (NIV)
Righteousness Through Faith
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Operating Grace—God’s work to save us
In a word or sentence describe God’s action(s) in saving His chosen.
Lord, as I reflect back on my life, I see examples of Your hand working and guiding me out of my obstinate and sinful ways. You were influencing my life even when I didn’t deserve Your mercy and compassion. Even when I turned my back on You, patiently You waited, and never gave up on me. Jesus, You died on that cross as a sacrifice for my sins so that I could be forgiven. It took a while for me to really grasp the understanding of that truth. But once I personally received Your gift of grace, I recognized what an amazing everlasting gift of love that is and it transformed my life. I pray that you continue to work on my life to bring me closer to You and to help me to recognize Your will for my life and to follow it. I thank You, my Lord and Savior, for always being there even when I was not. I praise and worship You with all my heart for Your mercy and grace. Amen