Sunday Preview: Why the Cross?

In December, our focus has been on exploring the first prayer request of Paul in Ephesians 1.18 and delving into how God has worked to secure our hope. On Sunday, our attention will be directed towards Romans 3.21-31, with a specific emphasis on understanding the foundation of our salvation—the cross. In Romans 3.25, we learn that Jesus died to satisfy God's justice and righteousness by fully paying the penalty for our sins. As we delve into the significance of the cross, we will gain insights into the nature of our God and how He has secured our hope.

Romans 3.21-26a highlights the declaration of God's righteousness through the cross. In verse 21, it is emphasized that righteousness cannot be attained through law. God has clearly revealed His righteousness apart from any law system, including the Law of Moses. This declaration is absolute and emphatic, leaving no room for reservation. It underscores the fact that in justification, we do not make any contribution of our own.

Instead, righteousness comes through faith in Jesus. Verse 24 declares righteous is obtained by God's grace, which is entirely undeserved and unmerited. This justification is made possible through the redemption found in Christ Jesus, liberating believers from their sins. Paul emphasizes that the benefits of Jesus' death are applied to individuals through faith in His blood, serving to demonstrate God's righteousness. The public display of the basis for justification was essential for God to be just in His actions.

Since it is God who saves by faith in Jesus, there is no room for boasting on our part. Salvation is solely a work of God through Jesus Christ. Finally, Romans 3.31 answers the seemingly eternal question of whether faith nullifies law keeping, to which the answer is a resounding "absolutely not." In fact, Christians are called to uphold God's moral law by leading lives that exemplify holiness greater than what was under the law of Moses. We are saved not to ignore the law but to fulfill it.

God secured your hope through the cross. It is His work. It is by grace and gift of His righteousness, made possible by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

As you prepare for worship, you might think on these questions.

1. How does Romans 3.21-31 illuminate the role of the cross in securing our salvation and revealing God's righteousness?
2. What does "propitiation" mean in the context of Jesus' death, and how does it relate to the concept of faith in His blood?
3. Why is boasting excluded when it comes to our justification, and what does this reveal about the nature of salvation?
4. There is only one way to be saved. How does this verse underscore the exclusivity of faith in Jesus Christ for salvation?
5. How does verse 31 clarify the role of believers in upholding God's moral law while being saved by faith?

OPENING / WELCOME
Kody Pritt
SONG LEADER
Dru McLaughlin
PRAYER OF PRAISE
Rich Jacobs
LEAD LORD'S SUPPER
Rich Walker
 ASSIST LORD’S SUPPER
Dylan Schofield
Gary Stewart
David Williams
Matt Barnhart
SCRIPTURE READING
George Wacks
Romans 3.21-31
PREACHING
Matthew Allen
CLOSING PRAYER
Collin Schofield
CLOSING COMMENTS
Mark Ringle
WELCOME CENTER
Connie Walker / Taylor Robins
USHERS
Roy Pyle / Billy Robbins
SONG DEVOTIONAL
Jim Grushon
COMMUNION PREP
Jeri Hastings
CLOSING THE BUILDING
Dan Spargo