THURSDAY June 18, 2020

Guilty Before God

Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness….
Romans 4:4-5

People cannot work their way into heaven––it is impossibility. People mistakenly believe that if they do well, such as walking a little old lady across the road or other benevolent acts of kindness toward mankind, God will reward them with salvation. Not so! It does not work that way. Understand, a sinner stands in judgment unless they receive the free gift of salvation: for the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23).

In ourselves, we are not made righteous by our good works––we remain debtors. However, if we choose to believe in Christ, our faith is what makes us righteous before God––our debt has been paid in full by Christ, fully and completely. Even though people have accepted Christ, they still disobey God’s Word and fall into sin. Christians walk by faith, trusting God, repenting daily for their sins committed. They have not gone to heaven yet.

The Bible tells us we are to be full of joy because we know of His love, grace and mercy. We know of His redemption plan for us and what He has done already. You should be excited. We have been forgiven! God is going to use our lives to give Him glory and honor, as we touch others with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Can you imagine that? When you think about who God is and what He is doing in your life, it is crazy! We can enjoy our salvation.

Think on this incredible Scripture today: You will show me the path of life; in Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore (Psalm 16:11). Share the joy of your Christian faith with someone today.

Grace is the first and last moving cause of salvation; and faith, essential as it is, is only an important part of the machinery which grace employs. We are saved “through faith,” but salvation is “by grace.”
~Charles H. Spurgeon~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!