Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness. — ROMANS 4:4–5
But we did not obtain our salvation and God’s favor because of our works. Even in the present, we do not obtain favor or righteousness before God because of what we do. Our daily relationship with the Lord is based on the continuous work of Jesus and His perfect righteousness. We stand justified before God not because of our goodness, but because of Jesus’ righteousness. And only through Him can our imperfect obedience be accepted in God’s sight.
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One of the battle cries of the Reformation was the doctrine of justification by faith alone. God justifies the one who has faith in Jesus, and He does so on the basis of the credited righteousness of Christ. We believe, embrace, and rejoice in this truth. We are justified because of Jesus, not our own works.
However, there are times when we forget this truth and live as if we can obtain favor from God on the ground of our works, and not on the basis of Jesus’ righteousness. Instead of resting in Jesus’ work, we can live as if our salvation depended on our good works. We may strive to please God, keep ourselves busy in ministry, try to reach our goals, and work hard so that we can earn His favor. We can profess we are saved by faith and then live as if we are saved by works.
But we did not obtain our salvation and God’s favor because of our works. Even in the present, we do not obtain favor or righteousness before God because of what we do. Our daily relationship with the Lord is based on the continuous work of Jesus and His perfect righteousness. We stand justified before God not because of our goodness, but because of Jesus’ righteousness. And only through Him can our imperfect obedience be accepted in God’s sight.
Friend, remind yourself today that the only way you can be accepted by God is by placing your faith in Jesus alone. Rejoice in the perfect righteousness of Jesus that is yours through faith in Him.