Episode 31: He Washed Away Our Sins - The Life of Jesus

The Life of Jesus: Episode 31 - "He Washed Away Our Sins"

Fox Audio Network | February 15, 2026
Focus: Romans (Chapters 2–6) — Paul’s message of sin, justification, faith, and the gift of salvation in Christ

Episode Overview

This episode delves into Paul's Letter to the Romans, focusing on the transformative themes of sin, judgment, justification by faith, and the newness of life found in Jesus Christ. Through dramatic scripture readings and thoughtful narration, listeners are guided through Paul’s argument that all humanity is in need of redemption and that through Christ alone—by faith, not works—are we justified and freed from the power of sin.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. God’s Judgment and the Universal Guilt of Sin

Timestamp: 00:49–04:00

Paul emphasizes that no one is exempt from God’s judgment: “Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another, for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself…” (B, 00:49)
Both Jews and Gentiles are under sin; mere knowledge or hearing of the law does not justify a person—obedience is required: “For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified.” (B)

2. The Law Written on the Heart

Timestamp: 04:00–06:50

The Gentiles, even without the written law, demonstrate the law written on their hearts and are accountable.
Paul cautions against hypocrisy—those who teach against sin must not commit the same sins: “You then, who teach others, will you not teach yourself? While you preach against stealing, do you steal?” (B)

3. True Righteousness: A Matter of the Heart

Timestamp: 06:50–08:40

Genuine righteousness is inward and spiritual, not merely outward: “For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly... Real circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal.” (B)
God’s faithfulness remains even if some are unfaithful: “Let God be true, though every man be false…” (B)

4. All Have Sinned—Justification by Faith

Timestamp: 08:40–12:00

Paul makes clear: “None is righteous. No, not one… All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (B)
Salvation does not come by law or works, but as a gift of God’s grace, through faith in Jesus Christ:
- “For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law.” (B)
- “They are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus.” (B, ~12:00)

5. Faith Over Works: The Example of Abraham and David

Timestamp: 12:00–15:45

Abraham’s righteousness came by faith, not by works or circumcision:
- “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness… He received circumcision as a sign… of the righteousness he had by faith.” (B)
This blessing extends to both Jews and Gentiles who share Abraham’s faith.

6. The Power and Persistence of Faith

Timestamp: 15:45–17:30

Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promise is highlighted:
- “No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith, giving glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.” (B)

7. Peace with God and the Fruit of Suffering

Timestamp: 17:30–19:30

Paul’s assurance: “Since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” (B)
Suffering leads to endurance, character, and hope:
- “We rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope.” (B)
Memorable quote on God’s love:
- “God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (B, ~18:30)

8. Adam, Christ, and the Free Gift of Grace

Timestamp: 19:30–22:00

Paul contrasts Adam’s sin with Christ’s redemptive act:
- “As one man’s trespass led to condemnation for all, so one man’s act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all.” (B)
- “Where sin increased, grace abounded all the more…” (B)

9. Baptism—Dying and Living with Christ

Timestamp: 22:00–24:46

Baptism symbolizes union with Christ’s death and resurrection:
- “All of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death… so that as Christ was raised from the dead, we too might walk in newness of life.” (B)
Listeners are reminded: “Consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.” (B)

10. Slavery to Sin vs. Slavery to Righteousness

Timestamp: 24:46–29:00

Paul explains that believers are no longer slaves to sin, but slaves to righteousness:
- “But thanks be to God that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart.” (B)
Eternal perspective:
- “The wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (B, 29:00)

Notable Quotes & Moments

On justification by faith:
- “Just as if I’d never sinned.” (Shannon Bream, 23:10)
On God’s love:
- “God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” (B, ~18:30)
On the transformation through Christ:
- “But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end—eternal life.” (B, near end)
On guilt and forgiveness:
- “When we accept the fact that Jesus paid the penalty for our sin by dying in our place, our sin is literally obliterated. It ceases to exist in the eyes of God. Why then do you carry with you the weight of past failure and the shame of past sin?” (Shannon Bream, 23:10)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |---------------------------------------------------|-------------| | God’s Judgment & No Excuse for Sin | 00:49–04:00 | | The Law Written on Hearts | 04:00–06:50 | | True Righteousness: The Heart | 06:50–08:40 | | All Have Sinned—Justification by Faith | 08:40–12:00 | | Abraham & David: Faith over Works | 12:00–15:45 | | Abraham’s Unwavering Faith | 15:45–17:30 | | Peace with God, Fruits of Suffering | 17:30–19:30 | | Adam, Christ, and Supreme Grace | 19:30–22:00 | | Baptism into Death and Resurrection | 22:00–24:46 | | Slaves to Righteousness; Eternal Life | 24:46–29:00 | | Shannon Bream Reflection: On Guilt & Grace | 23:10 |

Tone & Style

The episode maintains a reverent, explanatory, and hope-filled tone, with dramatic scripture readings and clear, educational narration. The language remains true to Paul’s instructive style and the devotional reflection seeks to uplift listeners with the hope of complete forgiveness and new identity in Christ.

Summary

Episode 31 is an immersive journey through Paul’s teaching on justification, vividly showing listeners that all are equally in need of grace and that salvation is a gift received by faith. Through the powerful imagery of baptism, slavery, and the law, the episode assures believers that in Christ, they are freed from the dominion of sin, forgiven of all guilt, and called to live anew. The closing reflection challenges listeners not to carry the burden of guilt, but to embrace the transformative freedom offered by Jesus’ sacrificial love.

Transcript

A (0:02)

Hello everyone, this is Ainsley Earhart. Thank you for joining me for this 31st episode of the 52 episode podcast series, the Life of Jesus. In our last podcast, we began the Letter of Paul to the Romans. It was a letter penned by the Apostle Paul to introduce himself to the church of Rome. He had never visited these fairly new believers and was eager to meet them and teach them of Christ. In this letter, Paul puts forth a very orderly narrative of basic theological truths, including the theme of redemption, humanity's sin, guilt, redemption through Christ, and the gift of salvation through faith in Him. You're listening to the life of Jesus. We'll be right back.

B (0:49)

Therefore you have no excuse, O man, whoever you are, when you judge another, for in passing judgment upon him you condemn yourself because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. We know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who do such things. Do you suppose, O man, that when you judge those who do such things and yet do them yourself, you will escape the judgment of God? Or do you presume upon the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience? Do you not know that God's kindness is meant to lead you to repentance, but by your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself on the day of Wrath, when God's righteous judgment will be revealed. For he will render to every man according to his works. To those who by patience in well doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are factious and do not obey the truth, but obey wickedness, there will be wrath and fury. There will be tribulation and distress for every human being who does evil. The Jew first and also the Greek. But glory and honor and peace for everyone who does good. The Jew first and also the Greek. For God shows no partiality. All who have sinned without the law will also perish without the law. And all who have sinned under the law will be judged by the law. For it is not the hearers of the law who are righteous before God, but the doers of the law who will be justified. When Gentiles who have not the law do by nature what the law requires, they are a law to themselves, even though they do not have the law. They show that what the law requires is written on their hearts, while their conscience also bears witness, and their conflicting thoughts accuse or perhaps excuse them on that day when, according to my gospel, God judges the secrets of men by Christ Jesus. But if you call yourself a Jew and rely upon the law and boast of your relation to God, and know his will and approve what is excellent, because you are instructed in the law. And if you are sure that you are a guide to the blind, a light to those who are in darkness, a corrector of the foolish, a teacher of children, having in the law the embodiment of knowledge and truth. You then, who teach others, will you not teach yourself while you preach against stealing? Do you steal? You who say that one must not commit adultery? Do you commit adultery? You who abhor idle? Do you rob temples? You who boast in the law? Do you dishonor God by breaking the law? For as it is written, the name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you. Circumcision indeed is of value if you obey the law. But if you break the law, your circumcision becomes uncircumcision. So if a man who is uncircumcised keeps the precepts of the law, will not his uncircumcision be regarded as circumcision? Then those who are physically uncircumcised but keep the law will condemn you who have the written code and circumcision. But. But break the law. For he is not a real Jew who is one outwardly. Nor is true circumcision something external and physical. He is a Jew who is one inwardly and real. Circumcision is a matter of the heart, spiritual and not literal. His praise is not for men, but from God. Then what advantage has the Jewish? Or what is the value of circumcision? Much in every way. To begin with, the Jews are entrusted with the oracles of God. What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means. Let God be true, though every man be false, as it is written that thou mayest be justified in thy words and prevail when thou art judged. But if our wickedness serves to show the justice of God, what shall we say? That God is unjust to inflict wrath on us? I speak in a human way, by no means. For then how could God judge the world? But if through my falsehood, God's truthfulness abounds to his glory, why am I still being condemned as a sinner? And why not do evil? That good may come, as some people slanderously charge us with saying their condemnation is just, what then? Are we Jews any better off? No, not at all. For I have already charged that all men, both Jews and Greeks, are under the Power of sin as it is written, none is righteous. No, not one. No one understands. No one seeks for God. All have turned aside together. They have gone wrong. No one does good, not even one. Their throat is an open grave. They use their tongues to deceive. The venom of asps is under their lips. Their mouth is full of curses and bitterness. Their feet are swift to shed blood. In their paths are ruin and misery and the way of peace. They do not know there is no fear of God before their eyes. Now we know that whatever the law says, it speaks to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be stopped and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For no human being will be justified in his sight by works of the law, since through the law comes knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from law, although the law and the prophets bear witness to it. The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. For all who believe, for there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, they are justified by his grace as a gift through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as an expiation by his blood to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to prove that at the present time that he himself is righteous and that he justifies him who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On the principle of works. No, but on the principle of faith. For we hold that a man is justified by faith apart from works of law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also. Since God is one. And he will justify the circumcised on the ground of their faith and the uncircumcised through their faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means. On the contrary, we uphold the law. What then shall we say about Abraham, our forefather, according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Now, to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift, but as his due. And to one who does not work but trusts him, who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David pronounces a blessing upon the man to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works. Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not reckon his sin. Is this blessing pronounced only upon the circumcised or also upon the uncircumcised? We say that faith was reckoned to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it reckoned to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received circumcision as a sign or seal of the righteousness which he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the Father of all who believe without being circumcised, and who thus have righteousness reckoned to them, and likewise the Father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised, but also follow the example of the faith which which our father Abraham had before he was circumcised. The promise to Abraham and his descendants that they should inherit the world did not come through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. If it is the adherents of the Law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void, for the law brings wrath. But where there is no law, there is no transgression. That is why it depends on faith in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law, but also to those who share the faith of Abraham. For he is the father of us all. As it is written, I have made you the Father of many nations in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist in hope. He believed against hope that he should become the father of many nations. As he had been told, so shall your descendants be. He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead because he was about a hundred years old, or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah's womb. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God. But he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. That is why his faith was reckoned to him as righteousness. But the words it was reckoned to him were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him that Raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification. Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. Through him we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in our hope of sharing the glory of God. More than that, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance and endurance produces character, and character produces hope. And hope does not disappoint us because God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, which has been given to us while we were still weak at the right time. Christ died for the ungodly. Why, one will hardly die for a righteous man, though perhaps for a good man one will dare even to die. But God shows His love for us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Since therefore we are now justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. For if, while we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. Not only so, but we also rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received our reconciliation. Therefore, as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all men sinned. Sin indeed was in the world before the law was given. But sin is not counted where there is no law. Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sins were not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come. But the free gift is not like the trespass. For if many died through one man's trespass, much more have the grace of God and the free gift. In the grace of that one man, Jesus Christ abounded for many, and the free gift is not like the effect of that one man's sin. For the judgment following one trespass brought condemnation. But the free gift following many trespasses brings justification. If because of one man's trespass, death reigned through that one man, much more will those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in life through the one man, Jesus Christ. Then, as one man's trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one man's act of righteousness leads to acquittal and life for all men. For as by one man's disobedience, many were made sinners. So by one man's obedience Many will be made righteous. Law came in to increase the trespass. But where sin increased, grace abounded all the more so that as sin reigned in death, grace also might reign through righteousness to eternal life, through Jesus Christ our Lord. What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? By no means. How can we who died to sin still live in it? Do you not know that all of us who have been baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with him by baptism into death. So that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like His. We know that our old self was crucified with him, so that the sinful body might be destroyed and we might no longer be enslaved to sin. For he who has died is freed from sin. But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him. For we know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again. Death no longer has dominion over him. The death he died. He died to sin once for all. But the life he lives, he lives to God. So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal bodies to make you obey their passions. Do not yield your members to sin as instruments of wickedness, but yield yourselves to God as men who have been brought from death to life and your members to God as instruments of righteousness. For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace. What then are we to sin because we are not under law, but under grace? By no means do you not know that if you yield yourselves to any one as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one whom you obey, either of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness. But thanks be to God that you who were once slaves of sin have become obedient from the heart to the standard of teaching to which you were committed, and having been set free from sin, have become slaves of righteousness. I am speaking in human terms because of your natural limitations. For just as you once yielded your members to impurity and to greater and greater iniquity, so now yield your members to righteousness for sanctification. When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness. But then what return did you get from the things of which you are now ashamed? The end of those things is death. But now that you have been set free from sin and have become slaves of God, the return you get is sanctification and its end. Eternal life for the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.