Faith Not Works
Scripture:
Let me use Abraham as an example. It is clear that humanly speaking, he was the founder of Judaism. What was his experience of being made right with God? 2 Was it by his good works of keeping the law? No. For if it was the thing he did, he would have something to boast about, but no one boasts before God. 3 Listen to what the Scriptures say: Because Abraham believed God’s words, his faith transferred God’s righteousness into his account. 4 When people work, they earn wages. It can’t be considered a free gift, because they earned it. 5 But no one earns God’s righteousness. It can only be transferred when we no longer rely on our own works, but believe in the one who powerfully declares the ungodly to be righteous in his eyes. It is faith that transfers God’s righteousness into your account! (Romans 4:1-5 The Passion)
We as humans seem to always feel that there must be something we can do, should do to earn God’s favor and be made right with Him. If we work for that favor by following a lot of rules, then it is no longer faith. It is not that we don’t need to do the right things that God shows us, it is just not what makes us have a position of righteousness with Him. That righteousness is gift, not something we earn!
Thank You, Father, for Your gift of righteousness! You are such a gracious Father and I am so very thankful! AMEN
God, now that I am old and gray, don’t walk away. Continue to give me grace to demonstrate to the next generation all Your mighty miracles and Your excitement to show them Your magnificent power. Psalm 71
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