Are you holding on to your own righteousness? Do think that you’re a “good person?” Do say to yourself “I don’t kill people or try to hurt anybody?” These are questions to the non-Christians.
For my brothers and sisters in Christ: do you believe deep down that by going to church every Sunday you are earning your way into heaven? Do you think that by giving that homeless person change every time you are asked that you’re “scoring points?” Are you doing anything thinking that it will please God enough that He will allow you into heaven?
I’ve got a question for both of you … do you realize that all that is necessary is that you believe in Jesus?
“I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me. I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the Law, then Christ died needlessly.” –Galatians 2:20-21. (Emphasis mine.)
When you believe in Jesus as your Savior, you effectively crucify your old, sinful nature that was enslaved to sin; you separate yourself from sin reigning in your life. This does not mean that you will not sin again ever. We all mess up time-to-time. But sin need not rule your life any longer! Nor should it!
Knowing this, that our old self was crucified with Him, in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin; for he who has died is freed from sin. –Romans 6:6-7.
Going back to the last part of the passage from Galatians, it is vital to realize that Jesus’ death on the cross was enough and fulfilled all of God’s requirements to pay for the sins of men.
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us–for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree.” –Galatians 3:13.
Jesus paid the price for our sins. Why on earth would you want to keep it? Why and how would you think you could pay it yourself? Jesus took the curse on your behalf and paid a debt He didn’t owe and one you and I could never pay!
If you are not yet a Christian, and you are reading this, you are doing so because God has wooed you here. God Himself has drawn you here. He stands at the door of your heart and knocks (Revelation 3:20). Let Him in! Don’t leave Him outside. Let Him in and let Him change your life!
Christian: if you’ve gotten off-track and have been trying to add works as a means of your salvation, repent and believe that Jesus paid the price once and for all. Let your works flow from a grateful heart, thankful for all He’s done for you.
May He Increase!
Excellent post, Joe!
It is all about Him and what He has done FOR US…isn’t it?
Trusting in Him alone for our righteousness is tough. We don’t operate that way down here. With us, there is no free lunch.
But God’s ways are not our ways.
I always appreciate the reminder to trust in Him alone, and get off of the religious project.
Thanks, Joe…I needed that.
Thanks for your visit today, Steve.
As soon as you come to the realization that no matter how “good” you think you are or hard hard you try to be “good,” that’s when you realize how grateful you are that Jesus tells the Father: “count his debt paid to my account: Paid In Full!”