For the squeamish fellow afraid of making global claims for Christ, the biblical teaching on justification explodes his little world. It says: the deepest problem to be solved is the same for every human being, because every human is a descendant of Adam. And the problem to be solved is that "by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners." "One trespass led to condemnation for all men." The only solution to this universal condemnation is a "second Adam" who provides "the free gift of righteousness" to all who hear the gospel and believe (Romans 5:17-19). Therefore Christ, the second Adam, the giver of righteousness, is the only global Savior.

Embrace as your treasure the gift of justification. There is no part of your life where it is not immeasurably precious.

John Piper has been the Pastor for Preaching at Bethlehem  Baptist Church in Minneapolis, Minnesota, since 1980. He has authored numerous best-selling books, including The Passion of Jesus Christ, Don't Waste Your Life and Desiring God. You will find 25 years of online sermons, articles, and other God-centered resources from the ministry of John Piper at  www.desiringgod.org. He also has a daily radio program, called "Desiring God," which can be accessed online at  www.desiringGod.org/radio.

The Righteousness of God and the Justification of Sinners - Romans 3:1-31 (Audio CD Set) In Romans chapter 3, the apostle Paul deals with how the vastness of our rebellion against God and the free offer of the gospel fit together. How can a holy and just God declare guilty, rebellious, sin-enslaved people as righteous before himself without becoming unjust and scorning his own glory? (9 Messages—9 Discs)