Righteousness by faith
Scripture reading for June 25: Romans 9
“What shall we say, then? That Gentiles who did not pursue righteousness have attained it, that is, a righteousness that is by faith; but that Israel who pursued a law that would lead to righteousness did not succeed in reaching that law. Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as if it were based on works. They have stumbled over the stumbling stone, as it is written, “Behold, I am laying in Zion a Stone of stumbling, and a Rock of offense; and whoever believes in Him will not be put to shame.”” Romans 9:30-33
Righteousness simply means to have right standing before God. The Gentiles have God’s law through nature and conscience. They know that they are eternal beings because God has put eternity in man’s heart. (Ecclesiastes 3:11) The Jews had God’s law through Moses and did not keep it. Because they had a sin nature from Adam, they fell under condemnation for breaking God’s law. Because all men and women, from Adam and Eve until today have sinned before God, no one can have righteousness through perfect obedience of God’ law as Jews or following conscience as Gentiles. Truly, all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory and perfection. We cannot stand on our own in the final judgment.
God provided sacrifices that would temporarily cover man’s sin and give them relief from condemnation by faith in God’s mercy through their obedience. The only way of obtaining righteousness for sinful man is to come to God by faith and ask for forgiveness and mercy. The Jews failed to pursue righteousness by faith and instead tried to work to keep God’s law. Their own sin natures brought failure and condemnation. But God provided the final and only Sacrifice for sins and sinners in His Son, Jesus Christ. He was born a Jew and was placed by God among the Jews. Many Jews refused to come to Him by faith and will be put to shame. But for all who receive Him, their condemnation is removed and adoption results!
Have you ever tried to be good enough to be accepted by God through religious practice or good works? Have you stumbled over the Gospel of Grace through faith in Jesus Christ or have you found adoption and forgiveness through Him? Do you have confidence for righteousness now and at the judgment?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for removing my condemnation and giving me Christ’s righteousness by faith. I have confidence through faith in Your promise of eternal life through trusting in Jesus Christ. Use me to testify to Your amazing Gift of right standing before You now and at the final judgment. Amen.
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