Jesus' righteousness is your righteousness

7-10-19
Today’s devotion is based on Romans 4:13-16, “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law, there is no transgression. Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring-- not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham.”

I would say that most Christians today believe that God’s grace calls them. Unfortunately, many believe once God calls them, they have to focus on obedience. They believe that if they do this, they are ‘real’ Christians. Paul tells us that this way of thinking is wrong. Abraham was made righteous not because of his good works but because of his faith in God.
The law, while guiding Christians still condemns, for no one can obey it perfectly, so it cannot save a person. We cannot create a new life in our hearts. We cannot bring forth love where there is none. All we can do is trust in God’s promises, just as Abraham did. God promises that all that believe in him shall not perish but have everlasting life.

Please pray with me the prayer for today. Heavenly Father, creator, and sustainer of all things, seen and unseen, thank you for letting me know that my belonging to you is not dependent on my deeds, as good as I might think they are, but on your promise of everlasting life for all that believe in Jesus’ saving work. All praise and glory to you. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
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