Dig a Little Deeper: Grace and Faith

 

God's promises are true. When he promised Noah that he would never flood the entire world again, he has been faithful to carry it out. Every time we see a rainbow in the sky, we are reminded that his promises are true.

When he promised Abraham that all the nations in the world would be blessed through him, he faithfully carried out that promise in the person and work of Jesus Christ.

Rest

God's righteousness (his standard of perfection) has been revealed apart from the law. We are able to fulfill all the requirements for righteousness by submitting to Jesus Christ. 

You and I don't have to work to achieve this perfect standard. Christ achieved it for us, and God imputes Christ's righteousness on us. As a result, we can rest from our efforts and trust in what Jesus has done.

Devotion

Because we rest on his promises, we can be encouraged that God wants our hearts. Although we fall short, he has given us Christ's righteousness. All he asks for is a life devoted to him. 

This does not give us permission to sin, nor does it let us off the hook for doing the work he has called us to accomplish. What it means is we do not need to fear anything on Judgment Day. 

The work for our salvation has been accomplished. But there are tasks he ordained for us to carry out that we are still called to accomplish. 

Furthermore, if someone believes that "saying a prayer" or "walking an aisle" means they can continue in sin, then they have never repented of sin. To be devoted to Christ requires that sin be repented of. 

It is impossible to be devoted to Christ while embracing sin. While it is true that God wants our hearts because he has given us Christ's righteousness, it is also true that we have not given him our hearts while we are still living in sin.

Repent of your sin, and put your faith in Jesus. Trust in God's promises and you will be saved.