Only Jesus can Make us Right

“For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins.” Romans 3:22-23 NLT

In a story titled “Former BYU runner — and current American record holder — impresses again in latest half-marathon” published Sunday, it was reported that two months after shattering the American half-marathon record in Houston, Conner Mantz once again impressed on Sunday at the 2025 New York City Half. Mantz was the top American finisher and took second overall. His 57:15 time was actually two seconds faster than his American record mark, but the New York City course is not record eligible, according to Citius Mag… Ahead of the race, Mantz told reporters that his focus was on correcting the mistakes he made the last time he competed in the NYC half in 2021 and continuing to prepare for next month’s Boston Marathon, not on proving that he really is the top American in the half-marathon.

And, you know, if correcting a mistake can be defined as taking action to make something that a person did that was wrong right, you and I would do well to understand that we are powerless to make ourselves right. You see, our sin (aka our mistakes) separated us from God because, even on our best day, “we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” But this is where it gets good… “God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins” through His death, burial, and resurrection. Which means we can all be “made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.” Is that good news or what? 

So, if you've made some mistakes and don’t think you can ever be forgiven, think again my friend. Jesus makes all sinners right when they confess their sins, turn from them and believe in the only One who has the power to save. And that is the best news ever!

Heavenly Father, thank You for providing the Way for all who have made mistakes to be restored and made right. Thank you for correcting the wrongs we never could and for giving us eternal life despite our shortcomings. Help us to be bold in sharing this Good News with others Lord so that all can be made right by placing their trust in Jesus. It’s in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!