Thursday, December 4, 2008

faith

Romans 2-4

3:20Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. 21But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

4:16Therefore, 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 are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. ... 23The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, 24but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

It is clear that we are right with God by faith, yet we make it complicated with our religious systems.

Herb's bus arrived at the same stop just a few seconds after mine, and he told me that he is now in Leviticus.  He made a great statement about the content, "It's a good thing Jesus showed up, because we would have a really messy religion - there was blood everywhere!"  True.  The wrath of God would have my blood on the ground were it not for Christ.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for the blood of Christ which was shed once and for all, and for me.  I pray that I will be a man of the Gospel of Christ.  May I demonstrate simple faith and obedience.  I pray this in the name of Jesus Christ, the author and perfecter of my faith.  Amen.

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