God can only accept those who measure up to the perfect righteousness and holiness that He personifies; none of us do (Romans 3:23), which means God cannot accept us as we are, and, because we “are dead in trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1-3), we cannot do anything of ourselves to attain to God’s holiness and righteousness (Galatians 2:21). Each one of us has rebelled against the Creator to whom we are accountable. If left to ourselves, every one of us would stand before Him guilty and condemned (Romans 3:19).
Thankfully, Christ also serves as our Redeemer. He willingly took on flesh to propitiate (appease) the Father’s just wrath toward our sin. Colossians 1:20 says Christ made “peace through the blood of His cross” (See also Romans 3:25). Much has been said in the media and amongst our neighbors and co-workers lately about the lack of peace in our country ...
