SCRIPTURE: Romans 1: 17 For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”
OBSERVATION: What is it about the Gospel that saves? In the Gospel there is a righteousness that can replace my unrighteousness. It makes me eligible for and acceptable in heaven! It is nothing less than the righteousness of Jesus! That righteousness is available, but somehow I have to come to know about it. In the Gospel that righteousness is brought to my attention. The Gospel is the Good News that enlightens me! The righteousness was procured on the cross by the death of God’s Son, and it is offered in grace. God offers it; I must receive it.
How is it received? It is received by faith! Believing He meant what He said, I say, “Thank you.!” I invite Him into my life as my Lord. If it were offered in return for good works, then I would have to earn it. But it is offered by grace, and received through faith. There is no payment required on my part. It is not given based on my worth. From the first day I received that righteousness applied to my record in heaven, to the day I check in, I am righteous by faith. I do not become more deserving of that righteousness as I progress through my Christian life. No, it is by faith from the first to the last!
APPLICATION: So how am I to live? I am to live by faith. The way I conduct my life indicates that I am trusting in God’s action taken on my behalf. I speak of my Heavenly Father in such terms that everyone knows of my appreciation. I treat others with great grace for the great “Grace Giver” lives inside me. I keep my word, because the great “Word-Keeper” lives inside me. I do everything to please Him. I am not easily discouraged because my faith assures me that He Who has brought me this far will certainly not drop me now!
PRAYER: Lord, thank you for paying for my sin. May my life today be an expression of my appreciation for all you have done for me. Amen.
Pastor Leon
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