“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.”
Romans 3:21-26 NKJVMoratorium
As we come to the end of the pandemic here in the United States, many of the protections afforded to those who lost jobs are inevitably coming to an end. Some had help through an eviction moratorium, where they would not be thrown from their homes for not paying rent.
There was forbearance for those who owed money, but as the moratorium is coming to an end, many may find themselves homeless if they are unable to pay.
This morning I spent some time studying in Roman’s chapter three, where I read of God’s moratorium on condemnation purchased by Jesus on the cross.
Each of us who lives, has had a moratorium from the condemnation we are due for our sins. Until we come to be forgiven, we amass past sins with no supernatural consequence. There are natural consequences, certainly, but until we breath our last there is still hope of salvation.
God shows His love for us, as He shows patience, passing over our past sins, and showing His loving grace. He is not waiting for us to clean ourselves up, but is waiting for our hearts to respond to His grace and the gentle pleadings of the Holy Spirit who woos us.
“But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
Romans 5:8 NKJVWhen I consider the man I was before, I am overwhelmed by His grace. I was a dirty sinner in thought and deed, and duly bound for hell, if not for the grace of God.
God waited on me, loving me and sending messenger after messenger to to tell of His love for me. He also reminded me of the judgement that waited if I did not come to Him.
I remember the first Christmas I celebrated as a Christian. I thought of Mary, keeping so many things in her heart as the Lord prepared her for the horrible day when her Baby Boy would die for the sins of the world.
Jesus left the glory He knew with the Father to live as one of us, in humble flesh.
After I came to know Jesus, I began to fully understand God’s forbearance, and the propitiation as Jesus paid my sin debt, dying a brutal death in my place. The payment for the debt that the Lord did not collect before I came to Jesus was paid in full, forgiven.
“There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who do not walk according to the flesh, but according to the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has made me free from the law of sin and death.”
Romans 8:1-2 NKJVOr only am I free of and sin debt, but I am free of future debt, as Jesus paid for it all, as all my sins were known from the foundation of the earth.
He has also given me power to turn from sin, as the Holy Spirit works in me to give me a way of escape. It is like a landlord, forgave all the rent owed, and begins paying all future rent. God’s grace is truly amazing.
Rejoice brothers and sisters in the salvation you have in Jesus, as He paid the price. Treasure it always, and go and tell!
Those of you who have not called upon Jesus to forgive your sins, are also under a moratorium, one that can end at any moment. These past months have reminded us that life is but a vapor, as many have died.
Those who died unforgiven, have gone into a Christless eternity called hell. For them, there has been no propitiation, no payment, only wages that can buy nothing.
“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”
Romans 6:23 NKJVComing out of trouble of these present times has proved perilous, as lawlessness has taken over the land, as the constant call to defund police has borne bitter fruit, in a world where the heart of man is desperately wicked.
Call on Jesus today. Seek Him!
THE PRAYER CHAIR IS OPEN! Send me your requests!
And “no condemnation,” so thankful for God’s justification!
Bernie, will you please pray for a friend of my named Chuck. He has some health issues, and spiritual issues. Will you pray the Lord give us both wisdom to walk through the upcoming months as he attempts to let go of Narcotics?
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Praying for him
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