Everyone Has Sinned, But Jesus Sets Us Free
“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:23-24
I have found that people generally would rather not read something negative. Especially if it has something to do with them. But, like it or not, everyone has sinned, including you and me.
Don’t stop reading, though, because sin doesn’t need to have a foothold on us. However, before I say anything else, let’s examine the biblical meaning of sin.
One definition says that sin means deviating from obedience to God’s character and will. Another definition words it like this: a “transgression” of God’s spiritual law.
Free eBook
We often categorize sins because of the severity of their punishment or consequence. But even entertaining a thought to sin means we’ve fallen short of God’s glory.
For from the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, all sexual immorality, theft, lying, and slander. These are what defile you. Matthew 15:19-20
My wife and I traveled as children’s evangelists early in our ministry. When talking about sin, I simply defined it as doing something that doesn’t please God. The Apostle John also defined sin.
Everyone who sins is breaking God’s law, for all sin is contrary to the law of God. 1 John 3:4
Earlier in Romans 3, the Apostle Paul quoted from Psalms 14 and 53, which both say the same thing. They reference the devastating effects of our sinful nature.
- No one is righteous— not even one.
- No one is truly wise; no one is seeking God.
- All have turned away; all have become useless.
- No one does good, not a single one.” Romans 3:10-12
Why God Gave the Law
Paul continued by saying that God gave the law to show the world how guilty we stand before Him. He went on to say the following about the law.
For no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are. Romans 3:20
Many people try to confirm their goodness and right standing with the Lord. They do it by obeying the law the best they can. But the best anyone can do on their own isn’t enough.
But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. Romans 3:21
When Adam sinned back in the Garden of Eden, it infected everyone of us humans. Even though sin entered into the world by one man, God provided a way for our redemption from sin.
We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are. Romans 3:22
Everyone, however, won’t receive their redemption either because they feel they haven’t sinned that much or won’t receive Jesus. Many believe it takes more than just believing in Him.
For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. Romans 3:25
That verse says that God Himself, has made a way to be right with Him. Therefore, everyone must make their own choice whether they’ve sinned a little or a lot.
The Fairness of God
When a person comes to the conclusion that God would never send anyone to hell, they are correct. In His fairness, He has given every one of us a chance to choose our eternal destination.
God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus. Romans 3:26
So, Paul reminded everyone that no one is better or worse than anyone else because we’ve all sinned. No one can proudly claim. “Look what I’ve done.”
Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. Romans 3:27
The Apostle emphasized that living by faith doesn’t mean we should neglect the law. His main point here is that the law can’t save us, not that we should forget about the law.
Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law. Romans 3:31
Everyone has Sinned and the Law Can’t Save Us
We know everyone has sinned, so how can we possibly fulfill the law? Jesus told us how to fulfill it when He spoke with an expert in religious law.
Jesus replied, ” ‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.” Matthew 22:37-40
Did you catch that? Love encompasses the entire law. He said the entire law comes down to loving God and loving others. Jesus told His disciples how to show our love to Him.
If you love me, obey my commandments. Those who accept my commandments and obey them are the ones who love me. And because they love me, my Father will love them. John 14:15,21
Because Everyone Has Sinned, God Offers Everyone a Gift
Because you are included with “everyone,” you have sinned. God, however, has offered “everyone a gift, and they just need to accept it.
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
Lord, we understand that everyone has sinned, but no one needs to spend eternity in hell. I pray that our loved ones will look past what they feel is unfair and accept your free gift.
Check out these related posts about freedom
To receive each new devotional post delivered to your inbox, subscribe below by giving us your first name and email address.
