Psalms 103:10-14 and Romans 3:21-26

Introduction:

1. When we talk about our hope in Christ, we must remember why we needed His atoning sacrifice in the first place (Genesis 2:17; Isaiah 59:1-2; Romans 5:12; 6:23; Ephesians 2:1-9).

2. The two passages in the title indicate the fullness of God’s pardon for our sins.

3. This knowledge presents such a powerful hope to the faithful child of God.

Discussion:

I. Guilty as Charged

A. Any attempt to deny our guilt is a futile falsehood (Romans 3:9-11, 23).

B. Before we can resolve our sin problem, as is the case with any other problem, we must admit we have a sin problem (John 16:8-11; Acts 2:37; 9:1-6; 16:29-31; 1 John 1:8-10).

II. Justified by His Grace

A. All humanity being convicted of sin earned the wage of spiritual death (Romans 6:23).

B. Yet, Paul detailed God’s gracious gift of justification in Christ (Romans 3:24-26).

C. The language employed is rich and should incite great love and reverence for God.

1. Justify: to hold as guiltless (Mounce); render just or innocent (Strong); to pronounce one to be just, righteous, or such as he ought to be (Thayer).

2. Redemption: a releasing affected by payment of ransom (Thayer: Matthew 20:28)

3. Propitiation: an appeasing or atoning sacrifice (Thayer; cf. 1 John 2:2; 4:10)

4. By His blood: the ransom price for our redemption from sin (Matthew 26:28; Ephesians 1:7; 5:2; Colossians 1:20-23; 1 Peter 1:17-19; Revelation 1:5; 5:9).

5. This was necessary because justice demands a reckoning (Genesis 2:17; Romans 6:23).

III. Fully Pardoned

A. The dire consequences of sin must never elude our sight lest we fall (1 Corinthians 10:12).

B. However, we take great comfort and hope in the total removal of our guilt.

C. As Paul was clear, we are not partially justified, but we are fully declared just.

D. He removes our sin and guilt from us entirely (Psalms 103:10-14; Hebrews 8:12).

Conclusion:

1. What great hope we have knowing we guilty rebels are declared innocent (Romans 4:6-8).

2. May we live every day allowing God’s goodness to reshape our lives (Romans 2:4).