The favour of God – Romans 3:21-26 (part 3)

Romans 3:21-26
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

We have already spent two posts (and certainly could spend a lot more!) on this scripture, but today I want to wrap up the final points.

The one key thing I want to look at here is ‘propitiation’ – It’s a long word that most people don’t know what it means anymore – I know I was told a long time ago, and either it messed up in my head, or, i was also told wrong! So I took a look online. Propitiate – To gain or regain the favor of.

So God set forth Jesus – through his blood – to gain or regain the favor of God back to us! So we have the favor of God! Seriously – that’s pretty cool.

What does that mean for us though? It means that God has us in the front of his thoughts – we are His ‘favorites’ if you like – the final, special part of His creation that was created in His image. And what does someone want for their favorites, or to the ones that have favor with them? The best of course! So through the work Jesus did on the cross, we are now back in God’s favor, and he is seeking the best for us.

What do we have here than? Another promise of God! He wants the best for us, and you can be sure He is working towards it. So no matter what is going on in your life – God wants the best for your life. The key then is to stick to Him – pray, praise, worship, ask, follow, do what it takes to stick close to God – because He wants and will do what is best for your life, you’ve just got to take the time and ask.

Lord God, Thank you again for the work of Jesus on the cross, which not only justified us before you, but bought us back into your favor. Reveal the work you are doing in us, show us what you want us to do that we would have the best for our lives. Teach us in some way to understand the full depth of your love and concern for us. In Jesus name. Amen.