Devotions

Rev Gav

Righteousness

Romans 4.1–8

Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation, and what did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds — i.e. the works of his own hands — had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about, but that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, "Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous — not because of anything he had done — but because of his faith."

When people work for someone, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned, however people are counted as righteous, not because of the work they do for God, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. King David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it. He wrote:

"Happy is the person whose
disobedience is forgiven
and whose sins are covered over.
Happy is the person
whose record the Lord
has wiped clean of sin."
(Psalm 32:1-2)

Reflect

We all want to be right with God right? Yet it is so hard not to get into the mindset that there is something we need to do to earn God’s favour. It is humbling to remember that God does not need us! Sure, God loves us, wants to get to know us, and God wants the best for us, but God does not need us. God is, after all, God!

There is a phrase that I have repeated many times and one you have no doubt heard — “There is nothing you can do to make God love you more, and nothing you can do to make God love you less! God loves you because God loves you because God loves you!”

Paul’s theology, especially in his letter to the Church in Rome, is often called ‘righteousness by faith’. It is our faith (our trust, loyalty, and faithfulness) in Jesus Christ that makes us clean, right, and holy before God. This is why, after healing or exorcising someone, Jesus often said, “Go, your faith has made you whole (well or clean).”

How freeing it is to have faith in Christ! Think about it. Right now, wherever you are sitting (or standing or lying) there is nothing you have to do to please God. You are completely and eternally forgiven, cleansed, and holy. There are no religious hoops through which you have to jump, no special words you have to say, and no regrets for things you have not done. You are free.

Pray

Holy God
Thank you that
I stand before you
loved, forgiven, and holy.
Thank that there is
nothing I have to do
to earn your love
and that your grace and mercy
is all I need.
Now and forever.

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