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Title: The New Day, The Power, and the Hope
From a journal about 10 years ago…
There are two moments that have defined my life. Both took place within seven months of each other. The first was over 10 years ago, during the month of September of 1995. I was walking across the campus of Ashland University less than one mile from where I now stand. I looked over my right shoulder and saw a young lady walking down the steps of Kettering Hall holding hands with another young man. My mouth said, “Wow.” And I moved on. But what I didn’t know, what I couldn’t know, was that a new day was upon me, and as soon as I understood that day, my life would never be the same.
The second moment was about seven months later, at 6AM standing outside Amstutz Hall when a confused, angry, arrogant 19 year old said a prayer that he’d said over 500 times in his life before. At the conclusion of that prayer, my heart said, “Wow.” And I moved on. But what I didn’t know, what I couldn’t know, was that a new day was upon me, and as soon as I understood that day, my life would never be the same.
I cannot speak definitively, but I’d be willing to bet that in about three months, when I look into my daughter’s eyes for the first time, my heart will stop, and I won’t be able to move on. I will know that a new day is upon me.
- A New Day is Upon Us
v21 “But now” a new age has arrived. An age that is not contrary to the Law and Prophets, but rather a fulfillment of what the Law and Prophets were pointing toward. The Law renders us all guilty before God, but Jesus Christ paid the penalty we owed according to the Law. The Prophets preached repentance and a return to Holy Living before the face of the Living God. Christ takes that call a step further when He says, “If you had known Me, you would have known the Father also.” (John 18:8)
And what exactly is happening now:
II. The Truth of the Message is Power.
v21 “the righteousness of God apart from the Law is being revealed…”
And where is this righteousness being revealed?
V22 “through faith in Jesus Christ.”
And to whom is it being revealed?
V22 “to all and on all who believe…”
So essentially what Paul is saying is this: “Look brothers, sisters, Jews, Greeks, all of you, hear my voice! A new day is upon you! Regardless of your heritage, upbringing, education, or social standing, there is a way to stand with the righteous God. There is a way to have His righteousness to fall on you. And that path is through faith is Jesus Christ!”
Imagine the power of this message if we, as the saved, are able to convey this message to the lost. Imagine being able to share our faith and say, “I’ve messed up more times than I can count, but a new day came upon me. Perhaps, despite everything you been through, God is calling you to a new day as well.”
V23/24
We need to understand what Paul is saying here. What he is explaining is that there is no difference among the saved. All of them have sinned and fall short of God’s glory. And, all have now been justified freely, by His grace, through the redemption in Christ.
All are slaves, and now all are free in Christ.
And why? Because, according to verse 24, we’ve been justified in Christ.
And what does it really mean to be justified?
III. Three Principles of Justification
Proverbs 17:15
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just,
Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord.
1. Justification is the opposite of condemnation.
Romans 8:1
There is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus
2. Justification is final and irreversible.
II Cor. 6:2
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
3. Our righteousness came at a severe price.
What Shall we say then?
1. Recognize that not only is it a new day, but that we are new believers.
2. Share that Power in your testimony.
3. Never forget at what price your soul was ransomed.