From Imperfection to Redemption

Romans 3:9-11

Romans 3:23

Romans 7:22-23

Isaiah 64:6

2 Corinthians 5:21

Ephesians 2:8-9

With Bishop Ronald K. Powell

Title: From Imperfection to Redemption: Embracing God’s Gift of Righteousness

Dear congregation,

Today, we gather to reflect on the inherent inability of man to achieve righteousness on his own and to explore the divine answer that God has provided for our salvation.

From the very beginning, humanity has struggled with sin and fallen short of God’s glory. Despite our best efforts, we find ourselves trapped in a cycle of disobedience and separation from our Creator. The Scriptures make it clear that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23), highlighting our desperate need for a savior.

Romans 7:22–23 22 For in my inner being I delight in God’s law; 23 but I see another law at work in me, waging war against the law of my mind and making me a prisoner of the law of sin at work within me. (Paul’s war within)

In our quest for righteousness, we often rely on our own strength, wisdom, and good deeds to earn favor in the sight of God. However, no matter how hard we try, we can never achieve true righteousness through our own works. Our sinful nature constantly leads us astray, and our best efforts are like filthy rags in the eyes of the Lord (Isaiah 64:6).

But in the midst of our helplessness and spiritual poverty, God has provided a way for us to be justified and made righteous in His sight. His answer to our predicament is found in the sacrificial death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Through His perfect life, atoning death on the cross, and victorious resurrection, Jesus offers us forgiveness, redemption, and the gift of righteousness.

As the apostle Paul wrote, “For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21). It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are justified before God, not by our own works but by the grace of God alone.

God’s answer to our inability to be righteous is not found in our striving or achievements but in His unmerited favor and the finished work of Christ on the cross. Through faith in Jesus, we are adopted into God’s family, clothed in His righteousness, and empowered by His Spirit to live a life that honors Him.

Therefore, let us humbly acknowledge our inability to be righteous on our own and place our trust in the saving work of Jesus Christ. May we live each day in gratitude for the grace and mercy that God has lavished upon us, knowing that our righteousness comes from Him alone.

In conclusion, let us remember the words of Ephesians 2:8-9, “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” May we rest in the assurance of God’s love and provision for us, rejoicing in the righteousness that is ours through Christ Jesus.

Amen.