Romans 3:23 “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”.

Perhaps many of you watched the recent ESPN documentary on Michael Jordon called Last Dance. The story featured the players and coaches who impacted his 13 years with the Chicago Bulls and his six NBA titles. What a great basketball player he was and by no means perfect.

However, whether you are Michael Jordon or a “couch potato”, the rules are the same when it comes to following the Old Testament Law. Let’s say, for example, under the Law the only way to salvation was to jump 20 feet in the air. Even though Michael could jump about 15 feet, he would not qualify. He would not receive salvation even though he “did his best”, or “almost made it”, or “did better than anyone else”. No, he would come “short” of fulfilling the Law’s demands. Same for the couch potato who could jump maybe six inches in the air. No matter how high or low they could each jump, if it weren’t 20 feet, they could not be saved. According to the Law, Michael Jordon and the couch potato were in the same group. Period.

So, under the Law, you either need to be perfect, or you need a Savior who is. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and come short of the glory of God”. We are NOT perfect. But thank God the next verse says, “being justified freely by his grace, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus”. Jesus is the Savior of the world; He is perfect and satisfied ALL the requirements of the Law for salvation. Jesus “jumped far and beyond 20 feet” on our behalf. He paid the price for us all. He met the Law’s demands through His blood. We are justified “freely” by His grace. Hallelujah! Thank you Jesus!