A Priceless Gift
Reflection
Begin your study by sharing thoughts on this question.
1. What is the best gift you have ever received? What made it so special?
Bible Reading
Read Romans 3:21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law
and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them
that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being
justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be
a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past,
through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness, that he might be just, and
the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works?
Nay: but by the law of faith. 28 therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the
law. 29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 30 Seeing it
is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 31 Do we then make
void the law through faith? God forbid: ye, we establish the law.
Discovery
Explore the Bible reading by discussing these questions.
2. In what way are all people alike?
3. How can people be made right with God?
Question 3. God's plan of salvation is summarized in Romans 3:22–24. The law and the prophets told of God's
plan long before Jesus came to earth. If you have time, ask someone in the group to read aloud Isaiah 52:13–53:12.
If you don't have time, encourage group members to read this passage on their own. You may need to explain some
of the following terms during this study. (1) Justification refers to God's declaration that we are not guilty
for our sins. (2) Redemption means that Jesus paid the penalty for our sins by dying on the cross. (3) Atonement
refers to Christ's sacrifice on our behalf.
4. How does God's plan demonstrate his fairness?
5. How does Paul describe salvation?
6. What should prevent believers from bragging?
Inspiration
Here is an uplifting thought from the Inspirational Study Bible.
Salvation is free! God puts no price tag on the Gift of gifts—it's free! Preachers are not salesmen for they
have nothing to sell. They are bearers of Good News, the good tidings that “Christ died for our sins according
to the Scriptures.” Money can't buy it. Man's righteousness can't earn it. Social prestige can't help you acquire
it. Morality can't purchase it. It is, as Isaiah said, “without money and without price.” God is not a bargaining
God. You cannot barter with Him. You must do business with Him on His own terms. He holds in His omnipotent hand
the priceless, precious, eternal gift of salvation, and He bids you to take it without money and without price.
The best things in life are free, are they not? The air we breathe is not sold by the cubic foot. The water which
flows crystal clear from the mountain stream is free for the taking. Love is free, faith is free, hope is free.
(From Day by Day with Billy Graham by Joan W. Brown)
Response
Use these questions to share more deeply with each other.
7. When did you first realize that salvation is a free gift?
8. What helped you reach that realization?
9. Why do some people try to earn salvation?
Prayer
Holy God and Father in heaven, we come to you, aware that we do not deserve to be in your presence. We thank
you that you have provided a path for us through the blood of your precious Son. Your saving grace is a priceless
gift. Keep us amazed and mesmerized by what you have done for us.
Journaling
Take a few moments to record your personal insights from this lesson.
How can I tell others about God's free gift?
Additional Questions
10. Why is it important to understand that salvation is a free gift from God?
11. Describe how your life would be different without Jesus.
12. How do we receive God's approval?
For more Bible passages on the gift of salvation, see John 3:16; Acts 4:12; Ephesians 2:8; 1 Thessalonians 5:9;
1 Timothy 1:15; Titus 2:11; Hebrews 5:7–9.
To complete the book of Romans during this twelve-part study, read Romans 3:9–31.
From Life Lessons from the Inspired Word of God—Book of Romans by Max Lucado. Copyright 1996 by Word Publishing. Published by Word.
