… Even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and upon all those who believe, for there is no difference. For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Jesus Christ, whom God has set forth to be a propitiation, through faith in his blood … Romans 3:22-25a

How are believers justified and counted righteous and acceptable in God’s eyes? It’s not by works of the law because all have broken God’s commandments and stand condemned under God’s law. Instead, believers are justified by God’s grace, through faith in the blood of Jesus Christ which He shed on the cross to atone for the sins of all.

Have mercy upon me, O God, and graciously forgive my sins for the sake of the shed blood of my Redeemer, Jesus Christ. In His name, I pray. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]

But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being testified by the law and the prophets, even the righteousness of God, which is by faith of Jesus Christ to all and upon all those who believe, for there is no difference. Romans 3:21-22

Though the law of God reveals our sin and condemns us all, there is a way for us sinful human beings to be counted righteous and be acceptable in God’s sight. God tells us of this righteousness in the Bible. It is the righteousness of God He imputes to those who place their faith and trust in Jesus Christ and His atoning sacrifice on the cross.

O gracious and merciful God, forgive my sins and count me righteous in Your eyes through faith in Christ Jesus, Your Son and my Savior. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]

Now we know that whatever things the law says, it says to those who are under the law so that every mouth may be stopped and all the world may become guilty before God. Therefore, by the deeds of the law, no flesh shall be justified in his sight, for by the law comes the knowledge of sin. Romans 3:19-20

Though many believe they can be pleasing and acceptable to God by their keeping of His commandments, an honest look at our lives in the light of God’s Word reveals our utter sinfulness and inability to please God or be accepted by Him. The only way to be accepted and justified by God is through faith in Christ Jesus, God the Son, and His perfect obedience to God’s commandments and His innocent sufferings and death for our sins.

Your law shows my sins and failures, O Lord. It condemns me to death and hell. Grant that I hear and believe Your Gospel promises of forgiveness and life eternal through faith alone in Jesus Christ and His sacrifice on the cross for my sins. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]

Therefore, the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. For the LORD knows the way of the righteous. But the way of the ungodly shall perish. Psalm 1:5-6

Those who remain impenitent and continue on in their sinful and rebellious ways will not stand in God’s judgment or be counted members of Christ’s Church. Instead, they will be condemned to the eternal fires of hell. But the LORD knows the way of those who are sorry for their sins and trust in Christ Jesus. He will give them eternal life in His presence.

Grant that I acknowledge and repent of my sins, O LORD, and look to Christ Jesus and His cross for mercy and forgiveness that I may stand uncondemned in Your presence. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water that brings forth its fruit in season, and its leaf shall not wither. And whatever he does shall prosper. The ungodly are not so, but are like the chaff which the wind drives away. Psalm 1:3-4

Those who delight themselves in the truths of God’s Word are like trees growing along streams of water. Even in times of drought, their leaves do not wither and they continue to bear fruit. The ungodly, those who do not hear and heed the teaching of God’s Word, are like chaff which the wind blows away. They are not gathered into God’s kingdom but are cast out and burned in the fires of hell.

Teach me Your life-giving Word, O God, and strengthen and preserve my faith in You and Your promises of life and salvation in Christ Jesus, the Son. Amen.

[Scripture is quoted from the Revised Common Version of the Bible.]