Scripture
Romans 4: 2-5 “Was it because of his good deeds that God accepted him? If so, he would have something to boast about. But from God’s point of view Abraham had no basis at all for pride. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, so God declared him to be righteous.” When people work, their wages are not a gift. Workers earn what they receive. But people are declared righteous because of their faith, not because of their work. “
Observation
Paul is given us the doctrine of faith. Every other religion teaches that you get right with God by what you do. You work your way to righteousness. You do good deeds and abstain from bad things. If you are good enough, you will be right with God and go to heaven. Paul teaches the opposite. Nobody can do enough good things to get right with God. It is impossible. You do not earn your salvation like a worker earns his wages. Salvation is a gift. You receive it by faith. Abraham was not declared righteous because he was circumcised. He was declared righteous because of his faith. He believed God and God declared him to be right with him and then Abraham was circumcised. Salvation is a gift of God and I receive it by faith. Praise the Lord.
Application
Christians tend to love the doctrine of faith and then live by the law. What I mean is this, we believe we are saved by faith but then we spend the rest of our Christian lives trying to earn God’s favor and blessing. We try to earn our healing. We try to earn our anointing. We try to earn our provision. If I am good enough, then God will. If I give enough, then God will. If I pray and fast enough, then God will. If I serve enough, then God will. This is living by works and not by faith. Grace is much too valuable to give away. Don’t get me wrong I am not against giving, prayer, fasting, and living right but I do not think it earns me anything. Grace means there is nothing I can do to cause God to love me anymore than he loves me right now and there is nothing I can do to cause God to love me any less than he loves me right now. God loves me as much as an infinite God can love right now. It is a free gift. I was made right by faith, not by works.
Prayer
Father, I know grace but I live by works. Don’t let me throw away the gift of grace. I do not want to spend my life trying to win your love. I do not want to always live in the fear that you are not pleased with me. I want to live in your mercy and grace. I want to experience your pleasure and love. I love you because you first loved me. Thank you for your love. Thank you for grace. Thank you for mercy. Thank you for making me right with you. I love you so much!
