The Mystery RevealedSample

Day 1: Michael Miller, Founder + Senior Leader of UPPERROOM

Romans 1-2

You signed up to read through Romans, Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians, and Hebrews with us, diving deep into The Mystery Revealed…way to go!

Today, we kick off in Romans. This book is an absolute masterpiece and the most exhaustive work from Paul explaining the gospel. The word “righteousness" is used (in one form or another: righteous, justified, just) 60 times in this letter. Romans 1:17 from today's reading is the key verse that announces Paul's theme. "For in it (the gospel) the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "But the righteous man shall live by faith." This faith is in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ and is available to all men.

Another powerful verse from today's reading that has marked my life is found in Romans 1:21, just four verses after his focus on righteousness by faith. He begins to diagnose the problem with all men who have sinned and fallen short of the grace of God. He explicitly states that not one man is righteous by his own accord (Romans 3:23). This explanation of sin is found in the first two and a half chapters, addressing both Jews and Gentiles.

Now, Romans 1:21 states that although man "knew God, they neither honored Him or gave Him thanks." Think about that for a moment. Although they knew Him (to an extent), they did not rightly respond to Him with honor and thanks. As you read this book and grow in the knowledge of God, a massive key is giving thanks while you read how great the gospel is. This is the “little hinge” that opens up the door of our hearts to receive by faith what Christ has done.

You are righteous in Christ by faith. His work, as Paul will explain, is sufficient to establish you as righteous, just, and holy before Him.

Pause today and give Him thanks that by faith, you are right in His sight. What a Savior. What a God. What a joy.

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