What is the first step for salvation according to Romans 3:23?
The first step for salvation is recognizing our need and seeing ourselves as God sees us. Romans 3:23 declares that all have sinned and come short of the glory of God, showing everyone's universal sinfulness and need. This acknowledgment prepares a person to receive redemption through faith in His blood.
Les teaches that Romans 3:23 is the verse he always maintains is the first step for salvation. Before anyone can be saved, they must recognize their need and see themselves as God sees them. The verse states, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God,” and Les emphasizes that everyone, without exception, has been nothing but sinful. This recognition of universal sinfulness is what drives the need for redemption. He explains redemption as losing control of a piece of property and buying it back; God lost the human race when Adam fell, so He set in motion the process of buying us back with a price—His own blood. Romans 3:25 speaks of propitiation through faith in His blood, because there was power in that divine blood.
For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God;