All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
Romans 3:23
Know Your Need
Devotion based on Romans 3:23
See series: Devotions
In medicine, whether the medical professional is dealing with an afflicting disease or an addiction to some substance, often patients deny that they are sick and in need of help. This kind of reaction is not limited to people with physical or mental problems. It is also typical of human beings when confronted with the truth about their spiritual condition. What is that condition? The Bible tells us, “All have sinned.”
Sadly, denial of the problem means a failure to recognize the need that we each have as sinners—namely the need to be forgiven. If there is a malady worse than sin, it is this, the denial that I am a sinner in need of a Savior.
“All have sinned,” wrote Paul. “and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This is the truth of our spiritual condition before God. If we claim to be good enough to stand before God on our own, “we deceive ourselves” (1 John 1:8).
There is only one way to have a relationship with God. Through Jesus. He lived a perfect life, fulfilling the holy standard of God’s will. In love for us, God credits Jesus’ holy life to us. And what is more, Jesus died innocently. God counted Jesus’ death as full payment for the penalty of our sin. God has declared us holy through Jesus and has freed us from sin’s terror.
So, know yourself. Know your sin. Know your great need for Jesus. Like me and everyone else, your sins separate you from God. But like me and everyone else, Jesus came to save you from those sins. He is our perfect Savior!
Prayer:
Jesus, help me overcome my natural inclination that I can make myself right with God. I know that I need you. Trusting in your sacrifice for the forgiveness of my sins, I am proud to call you my Savior! Amen.