Understanding Our Universal Need for Grace
A Universal Truth: No Exceptions
If you’ve ever wondered where you stand before God, Romans 3:23 gives a clear answer: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” That means everyone—no matter your background, race, beliefs, or color—has missed the mark. We all have things we regret, mistakes we’ve made, and times we’ve let ourselves or others down. The Bible says this isn’t just about the big stuff, but all the little ways we fail to live up to God’s perfect, holy standards. In other words, none of us can claim to be truly righteous or flawless.
Missing the Mark—What Does That Mean?
Think about an archer aiming for a bullseye but always falling short. That’s the picture Romans paints for us. The word “fall short” literally means to miss the target. No matter how hard we try, we can’t reach God’s perfection on our own. It’s not about being “good enough” or comparing ourselves to others; it’s about God’s glory—His absolute goodness, holiness, and majesty. We were meant to reflect that glory, but we all fall short, every single one of us.
Is There Any Hope?
If the story stopped here, it would be pretty bleak. But the message doesn’t end with our shortcomings. Romans 3:24, the verse right after, brings hope: “and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” God doesn’t leave us stuck in our failures. Instead, He offers a solution—a way to be made right with Him, not because we’ve earned it, but because of His mercy and love. Jesus paid the price for our sins, acting as the bridge to bring us back to God.
Grace for All—No Matter Who You Are
Here’s the incredible part: this gift is for everyone. It doesn’t matter where you’re from, how much you’ve messed up, or what your story is. God’s grace is available to all who believe in Jesus. It’s not about what we do, but what Christ has done for us. Justifying faith means trusting Jesus as Savior, accepting what He’s done, and depending on Him rather than ourselves. Whether you’re Jew or Gentile, black or white, rich or poor—there is no difference. We all stand in need of God’s mercy, and we’re all invited to receive it.
Why Did It Have to Be This Way?
God’s justice and love meet at the cross. Sin matters to God—He hates it—and it’s serious enough that only the blood of Christ could pay the price. But that’s also how much He loves us. He doesn’t demand payment twice; Jesus, our Surety, paid it in full. What’s left for us is to accept this gift, humbly and gratefully, knowing we could never earn it ourselves.
The Takeaway
So, in plain language: every human being, regardless of race, creed, or color, has fallen short of God’s perfect standard. We all need grace. The good news is that God offers forgiveness and justification freely through Jesus. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about accepting the perfect love and sacrifice God has made for us. No matter who you are, you’re invited to receive this gift.
Minister A Francine Green
January 2026
afrancinegreen.com 