This is Your Testimony

I remember memorizing Romans 6:23 as a young girl. I would sing songs about it, incorporate it into a craft, and write it on a sticky note to paste on my wall. I have never forgotten it; it has always remained with me. However, as I have grown in wisdom and stature, I no longer simply read and memorize this verse. It moves me to a genuine posture of worship. I now realize the rich beauty packed into this scripture, found in a letter from Paul to the Roman church. Romans 6:23 shares the story of the Gospel in a sentence. It begins with humanity’s great need and ends with Jesus’ great sacrifice, providing all people with abundant hope. 

Simply put, Romans 6:23 communicates this very important truth to me: 

Jesus has re-written my testimony. 

The Word plainly states that because of my sin, I deserve death. Sin–my willful choice to disobey the God who made me–keeps me in bondage. I am powerless against it. This is a hopeless truth on its own. However, God loves me so much that He made another way by sending His Son, Jesus, to pay the price of sin for me. Instead of facing eternal death for my sin, I can place my faith in Jesus, find forgiveness and a new life, and experience eternal life with Him forever. Further, Jesus gives me His power to overcome sin every day. The same can be true for you—and for everyone who believes in the name of Jesus. A testimony re-written. 

I repent of the moments I have not approached God’s throne of grace in complete gratitude for His gracious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. May we never grow tired of praising the LORD for His saving work in our lives. May it never be a thing of the past, old or outdated, for He deserves all of our praise. 

Recently, my husband has been meditating deeply on the truth found in John 14:6. Returning to the simplicity of these words has encouraged my heart, for they are beautifully freeing. Jesus tells us He is the way, the truth, and the life. Through Him and Him alone, we can access God the Father despite our sin, for Jesus covers all of it. 

Jesus is and has always been enough. Jesus, God in the flesh, came down to sinful earth from heaven. He took our place. He bore the full weight of sin–our sins and the sins of the whole world for all time. In the words of my pastor, He did what we could not so that we may stand in purity, righteousness, and in a right relationship with God. 

Because of Jesus, this is my testimony: 

Sin separated me from God, but Jesus saved me. I am no longer subject to the power of sin, but I have the same power that raised Jesus from the dead living inside me. I am declared righteous, clean, and pure because the blood of Jesus covers me. I overcome sin daily as I stand in the abundant life and love of Christ. 

Friend, if you have placed your faith in Jesus, this is your testimony, too, one of vibrant grace, total redemption, and complete victory. If you do not yet know Jesus as your LORD and Savior, He wants to save you right now. Simply tell Him you believe in Him, confess your sins to Him, ask for His forgiveness, invite Him to live in your heart and be your LORD, and you will be saved (Romans 10:9-10). 

From death to life.
From darkness to light.
Because of Jesus, this is your testimony.