BY FAITH ALONE
Kimberly Lawrence
Today's Scripture: “But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8, ESV
Theme: The Gospels and Epistles show that salvation depends on Jesus’ sacrifice, not our good work.
SALVATION
This is the core of the Gospel: that Jesus Christ, the perfect, sinless Son of God, died on the cross and was resurrected, becoming the ultimate sacrifice to atone for my sins. Without Him, there is no salvation. Why? Because no matter how very good I try to be, sin separates me (and you) from God. Without Jesus’ death and resurrection, I would spend eternity separated from and unworthy of being in the presence of God, the Father. Period.
Relaying the salvation story energizes me. It’s a joyful reminder that I can come boldly before God, knowing that my sins, faults, transgressions, and mistakes…both past and future…have been covered by the blood of Jesus. Amen! My debt has been paid in full, and I joyfully accept that free gift.
"I CAN DO IT”
My family, friends and co-workers will all tell you I have a type-A personality and probably a touch of OCD. I get things done and am often proud of my diligence, reliability, and attention to detail. I am a hard worker, masterful at multi-tasking and I find great satisfaction in accomplishing more by 8:00 AM that many can do in a full day. As such, I like to keep track of things I've done, earned, and achieved. I’m a box checker. In case you haven’t already guessed it, my sinful nature is fed by ego and self-reliance. It’s sometimes difficult for me not to fall into the trap of trying to “earn” my salvation. No matter how many devotions I write, Life Groups I lead, services I attend, or how much money I give…I could never be good enough. And THAT is the beauty of Jesus Christ! Salvation comes only through what He did, and nothing that I’ve done or could ever do.
REMEMBER BARABBAS?
Barabbas, a prisoner under Pontius Pilate, was jailed for crimes including rebellion, robbery, and murder. It was a Roman custom that, on Passover, the governor would release one prisoner chosen by the crowd. You probably know how this story ended. Though Barabbas was guilty, he was released while Jesus went to the cross…ultimately fulfilling His destiny. Jesus bore the punishment that Barabbas, and symbolically, all sinners, deserved. It’s uncomfortable to compare myself to Barabbas. After all, I’ve never committed those same heinous sins. But, like Barabbas, I am guilty before God (Romans 3:23) and deserve the penalty of death (Romans 6:23). Just as Barabbas walked free because Jesus took his place, we can walk free because He also took ours.
You and I…we are all “Barabbas” in a spiritual sense. We don’t get to keep track of our own accomplishments, trying to earn our way to heaven, while conveniently ignoring or minimizing our shortcomings. Thankfully, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God” (1 Peter 3:18a, NIV).
Make It Personal: We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. And guess what…we’ll continue to do it! We are a prideful people with a sinful nature. Thankfully, we have a loving and forgiving God who not only knows it all but sent His Son to cover it all. Are there areas of your life where you’re “keeping track” of your heavenly scorecard? Do you compare yourself to others as the measuring stick of goodness? Pray today that God will reveal the areas of your life that require a reality check. Humble yourself to hear His voice, keeping in mind His boundless love for you doesn’t need to be earned.
Pray: God, thank You for saving me. You’ve paid a debt I could never earn or work off. Forgive my ego and arrogance when I try to keep track of my own goodness. Show me the areas of my life I need to acknowledge Your gift and stop taking credit for my own efforts. Thank You for the gift of salvation. Amen.
Read: Romans 3:3-28, 6:23; 2 Corinthians 5:21
Weekly Memory Verse: “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed,” Luke 4:18, ESV