Those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness [will] reign in life through . . . Jesus Christ!

— Romans 5:17

Sin will be punished. God is a God of justice. Does this mean there is no hope for all of us who sin? No. Two thousand years ago, God the Son took on human flesh and was born to Mary. He lived in perfect obedience and then gave up his own perfect life for us to pay for the sin of all who would repent and believe in him. God is just, and sin is punished. Salvation is freely available for all!

It is fashionable today to say that Jesus is the way of salvation for Christians while other religions offer other ways to God. It is also common to hear that Christianity is a white, European religion. Both assertions are false. Christianity did not originate in Europe, and Christian communities were established throughout the Middle East, India, and Africa before the faith spread to Europe. Believers from many tribes and nations are present on the college campus where I serve.

In 1 Timothy 2:5 we read that there is one mediator between God and humankind—and that is Christ Jesus. And “there is no other name under heaven” by which we may be saved (Acts 4:12).

God is just, and sin has been punished and paid for by Jesus, who was fully human, God in the flesh! Hallelujah, what a Savior!

Jesus, thank you for becoming human, for living and dying in the flesh in order to pay for our sin. Thank you for becoming the way to eternal joy for all who trust in you! Amen.