Problem and Solution

But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. — Romans 3:21-22

We cannot understand the full implications and benefits of the Gospel until we’re able to fully grasp the problem of sin. Sin makes us not right with God, with ourselves and with others. We’re simply not right at all. In the Bible this is called unrighteousness. It’s a condition that has practical implications in our lives and in our relationships. Consequently, when we fail to understand sin, we also tend to disregard Jesus Christ and what He alone can do for us. He is the final and only solution to the problem of sin. Sin has a penalty, which is death, and only Jesus can pay for that through His death on the cross. Sin is powerful — more powerful than our willpower — resulting in slavery. But Jesus sets us free from the power of sin by the power of His resurrection and through the Holy Spirit, whom He pours out on those who believe. The products of sin, such as shame, guilt, fear, hopelessness, etc. can only be solved through Jesus, for He alone can heal us from all this sickness. Finally, the presence of sin is unsolvable apart from the second coming of Jesus. He alone can eradicate sin once and for all. So from now until then, and forever more, we can be put right again through Jesus Christ our Lord. This is what it means to be given the righteousness from God that only comes through faith in Jesus Christ. Today believe and trust in Him. Obey Him with all your heart and you will be made righteous now and forever. Shalom! (PB)