Romans 3:24 is like a spotlight cutting through the fog of human failure. After Paul reminds us that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,” he immediately delivers the stunning truth: “and are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.” It’s as if we’re sitting at a railroad crossing at night, unsure of what’s coming, and suddenly a light appears—the engine of grace pulling behind it the full weight of salvation.
Justification is a legal term—it means God declares us righteous, not because we’ve earned it, but because Jesus paid the price. Paul, once Saul the Pharisee, tried to earn his way to God through works and law. But now, he knows that righteousness isn’t achieved—it’s received. God doesn’t wait until we’ve proven ourselves; He declares us righteous at the start of our Christian journey, simply because we believe. It’s not a change in our behavior—it’s a change in our standing. Like a judge pronouncing “not guilty” over someone who clearly is, God’s grace acquits us because Jesus took our place. That’s the beauty of Romans 3:24—it’s not about our performance, but His provision.
Whether you’re just beginning your walk with Christ or you’ve been walking with Him for decades, this truth remains your foundation. You don’t have to strive to earn God’s approval; you already have it in Christ. Let that assurance free you to live boldly and joyfully. Spend time daily in Scripture—it’s a stairway upward, each verse building your faith. And when doubts creep in, remember: the train of salvation has already passed through, and you’re on board. Let grace be your engine, and let God’s Word be your track.
“When it comes to the question of our acceptance by God, how much more satisfying it is to know oneself justified freely by his grace than to hope to be justified ‘by works of law’! In the latter case, I can never be really satisfied that I have made the grade, that my behavior has been sufficiently meritorious to win the divine approval. Even if I do the best I can (and the trouble is, I do not always do that), how can I be certain that my best comes within measurable distance of God’s requirement? I may hope, but I can never be sure. But if God in sheer grace assures me of His acceptance in advance, and I gladly embrace His assurance, then I can go on to do His will without always worrying whether I am doing it adequately or not.” – F.F. Bruce
surrendered devotions 