Verse of the Day - Galatians 2:21

I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law, Christ died for nothing!
~ Galatians 2:21 (NIV)

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When will we ever learn that we can't earn salvation through the law?

Do we think our personal goodness is as good as or adds anything to what Jesus did on the cross? Oh, we say we believe in God's grace..."Amazing grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me...," and yet, do we sidestep the cross of Christ for our salvation, and put the law in its place?

The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins.
~ Romans 8:3 (NLT)

We can never be good enough to gain holiness before a holy God, because we've all sinned and fall short of His glory (Romans 3:23). Two rights (or forty, or a hundred) can't make up for a single wrong. Our wages are death -- period. (Romans 6:22) But God's grace said No, that's not how it has to be. I have a plan to right your wrongs in one act. And when you hear my Son say, 'It is finished...,' believe it and stand on it. There is no payment left to be made, nor can there be any human payment for your sin. Don't try to be good in order to gain your salvation -- it's impossible. Simply accept Christ's sacrifice as fully sufficient -- don't discount it or take it for granted.

As we reflect this Easter week on Christ's passion, on His death, burial and resurrection, we should ask ourselves: Am I adding or taking away from the fullness of God's grace in Jesus' sacrifice on the cross? Am I relying solely and completely on His payment for me, or have I attached the law back onto my salvation?

We're called to live holy lives, in love and respect for God. But our righteousness can never save us. It is Christ's righteousness alone, given to us, that saves. May we never forget the completeness of His sacrifice.

Love,
Joelene