Beyond Sunday: No Difference

[Editor's note: Beyond Sunday is a Monday refresher to carry you through the week.]

Focus Verse of the Week

This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God… (Romans 3:22-23)

Classic Commentary

22. through faith in
Most interpreters understand both statements of believers as only a more emphatic way of saying that all believers, without distinction or exception, are put in possession of this gratuitous justification, purely by faith in Christ Jesus.

23. for all have sinned
Though men differ greatly in the nature and extent of their sinfulness, there is absolutely no difference between the best and the worst of men, in the fact that "all have sinned," and so underlie the wrath of God.
and fall short of the glory
of God--that is, "have failed to earn His approval" (compare John 12:43 , Greek).

(Adapted from commentary critical and explanatory on the whole bible)

A Thought to Keep

We all stand equal before God; this ought to move us to thankfulness to God and compassion for all humanity.