Paul communicates that God’s rescue is for the undeserving. There was nothing humanity could give to earn their own righteousness. The work of Christ was completely sufficient for the redemption of everyone. Paul emphasized the reconciling power of the Gospel. The work of Christ reconciles the individual to God and can restore his earthly relationships. Jews and Gentiles lived at odds with each other; the source of contention between them had been the Law, because it was the foundation for righteousness. However, Christ fulfilled the Law and became the source for righteousness obliterating this division. It’s not that Gentiles were brought to the same level of the Jews, but both groups were transformed into a new body, the Church. In the same way, we should seek to have unity with others and share the Gospel so that others may also have peace with God.

• Who is someone you know currently living in spiritual death? What would it look like to start a Gospel conversation with him or her?
• Whom is God putting on your heart to reconcile with thanks to the unifying power of the Gospel?