Have Faith In Jesus: NOT YOUR Works! (Part A-2: Romans 3:23-25)

[Rev. Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks, PsyD]

Part A-2 – Romans 3:23-25 – I will give my commentary, as Holy Spirit gives it to me; if there is no commentary on the Scriptures below, ask Holy Spirit and He will give you the interpretation of the Scriptures. As you study each verse of Scripture, don’t just rush through the verse; ponder on it and allow the Word to get into your heart – again, asking Holy Spirit for the interpretation. Even on the verses where there are commentaries, ask Holy Spirit for YOUR interpretation; we can read the Scripture and God will show us more sometimes, than when we first read it.

Scripture: Romans 3:23 – “since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God,”

My Commentary – This verse tells us plainly, why our works could not and cannot save us; “since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God.” Not only have we sinned and still sinning, in one way or another, we CONTINUALLY fall short of the glory of God. Are you seeing that your works cannot save you and you don’t have to strive to go to Heaven, through your works? I pray you are asking Holy Spirit for His revelation, while studying these Scriptures, as I suggested earlier; otherwise, the devil will make you wear yourselves out, “working” for God or “working” for salvation, when Jesus has ALREADY completed EVERY REQUIREMENT, of the Law!

Scripture: Romans 3:24 – “and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] ^[a^]grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus,”

My Commentary – Verse 24 shows us that, although we all have sinned and continually fall short of God’s glory (v23), God got us covered; still today! It says, we are being justified, which means, “declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life,” as a gift by His precious, undeserved grace (“His favor and mercy, extended to man who can do nothing to be worthy of it. It is God’s amazing gift” – footnote at biblegateway.com). Justification (being declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life) ONLY comes through the redemption (Jesus paid for our sin, with His death, burial, and resurrection), provided for us in Christ Jesus. Again, NOT BY OUR WORKS! We have sinned and are continually falling short of God’s glory – we are not worthy so Jesus took care of everything for us! 

Scripture: Romans 3:25 – “whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] ^[a^]sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion].”

Click here for PDF version of Part A-1 Romans 3:19-22

Click here for PDF version of Part A-2 Romans 3:19-23-25

Click here for PDF version of Parts A-1 & A-2 Romans 3:19-25

God bless you all and keep you all,

Dr. Dorothy E. Hooks