Jan 27, 2022
Justified for Glory
27th JANUARY 2022
Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus [Romans 3:23–24 NRSV].
Man started the story of his existence from glory. In a previous devotion on the glory of God, we learned that the glory of God referred to the proper weight or worth of God; the fullness of His nature and person. This glory of God was with man from the very moment he inhaled his first breath. What we can immediately infer from this is the fact that walking in glory should not be seen as unusual in our lives; it is the norm, that is how God intended it.
The first part of our verse for today tells us what happened to man to cost him the glory of God. “Since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” meaning that if man had not sinned, man would not have fallen short of the standard for the glory of God. What are we driving at? It is actually quite simple; so long as sin is running its course, nothing we do by ourselves can bring us up to the standard to be worthy of the glory of God. Yes, any man who is truly going to walk in glorious things cannot dismiss the foundation of being justified by grace.
To be justified by grace in itself is one of the most glorious experiences a man could ever have. Interestingly, it is an experience that is sustained by the Holy Spirit all the days of our lives. Thus, those of us who believe in Christ and His sacrifice, have the honour to enjoy this glory daily. Sadly, we live in a day and age where people want to claim their justification through all manner of things, which usually rest on their effort and ability to do something. Yet, the Bible is explicit on the fact that we are only justified by grace through the redemption that is in only one person, Christ Jesus.
As young people, this is the best time for us to pour out our lives into Christ Jesus. As we do that, He redeems us, (check out the meaning of redeem please) and then justifies us by His grace. Bear in mind; His grace is a possessive expression, He owns the grace, it is for Him, it is not just grace but His grace. How bad do you want to live a life of glorious things? How interested are you in seeing glorious things accomplished by your hands? Locate Jesus (He actually does locate you even before you think about it), let go of the sin you’ve held onto, allow Him to redeem and justify you to walk in your true state of glory.
Heavenly Father, thank You that I am no longer called by my sins. I declare that I am justified by faith in Your love and in Your grace, sin has no hold on me. I am set for all the glorious things You have pre-ordained, in Jesus; name, Amen.
Further Reading: Ephesians 2:7–10
Bible in One Year: Genesis [41–44]
