Today’s Reading, Romans 1-4
Focal Scripture: Romans 3:22 “The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction.”
I am not a good person. Before you agree to eagerly, let me tell you that you are not a good person either. The Bible tells us in Romans that no person is good except God. We also know that nobody can enter heaven unless they are declared to be good by God himself. Given that information what are we to do about this major problem? Only good people go to heaven but none of us are good. Gods sent his son to declare us righteous and that is solution.
In today’s verse we see this truth clearly explained. God is righteous and his righteousness is given to us when we put our faith in Jesus. To put it another way, our guilt is taken away from us when we acknowledge we need someone to do what we can’t do on our own. This is what salvation is all about biblically. As sinners we acknowledge we need a savior. We do this by putting our faith in Jesus who forgives our sins. Once this happens Jesus gives us his righteousness (right standing) and God declares us good because of his son. God no longer sees a sinful person. Instead he sees his perfect son that is able to stand in his holy presence.
Have you ever been declared righteous before the Lord? The Bible tells us that this is the lynchpin of salvation. I have had to many conversations with people that believe salvation is based upon their acts. Or salvation is based on saying a prayer. And even based on attending a certain church. Salvation might even be based upon being baptized. Unfortunately, even though people look the part they are not declared righteous in the eyes of the Lord.
That is my challenge to you today. How confident are you that the Lord has declared you righteous? If you have put your faith in Jesus and know he has given his righteousness to you, your salvation is secured. If you find your security in any other person or work you are still guilty before the Lord. This means you won’t go to heaven and you will be judged.
Simply put your righteousness earns you hell. Jesus righteousness earns you heaven. Where do you find your trust today?
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Romans 5-7
