"For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes," Romans 10:4
Two decades ago the Barna Research Group conducted a survey of professed Christians. At that time, "half of all adults (50%) argued that anyone who 'is generally good or does enough good things for others during their life will earn a place in Heaven.' Almost half of the non-evangelical born again Christians adopted this view, in spite of the fact that they have prayed for the forgiveness of their sins and asked Jesus Christ to be their savior – actions which they believe were the basis of their assurance of salvation. Apparently, large numbers of the non-evangelical born again adults believe that people have a choice of means to salvation, either the grace-alone or the salvation-though-works approaches."
This flies in the face of today's text. Paul's words to the Romans makes it quite clear that Jesus Christ put an end to the burden of trying to attain to righteousness through our own works. Isaiah 64:6 tells us that "all our righteous acts are like filthy rags," before God.
I tried living a life of being good in order to win Heaven, trying to keep the Ten Commandments and making sure I did as many good things as possible. It was exhausting, and I was always uncertain if I was doing enough. It wasn't until I came to fully comprehend that I was powerless to save myself and that I needed, instead, to trust Christ for my salvation that my struggles ended and I gained the peace He promises.
God gave us the commandments not for our salvation, which would be impossible to obtain since there was only one man who perfectly obeyed every commandment, namely Jesus. But to show us our sinfulness. So, the law doesn't save, it condemns. However, as Romans 8:1 tells us, "There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
This is the freedom in Christ that we read of in Galatians 5:1. Once we receive Jesus as Lord and Savior, putting our trust in His shed blood for our salvation, we are free from the burden of the Law. No longer are we slaves to sin, but we are free men and women, graced with an abundant life of following Jesus and allowing Him to reign as King over us. True freedom!
It's not wrong to do "good things" for people. What's wrong is depending on those "good things" to save us. Caring for others should be an outgrowth of our love for God, modeling His love in the lives of others.
Today's music video There is Freedom by Josh Baldwin is a reminder of the freedom we have in the Spirit of the Lord! Enjoy.
I love you, I'm thinking of you, and I'm praying for you.
Good morning, Nancy. Today's comment is a prayer request. I have a young cousin that needs a forever home. His daddy and mommy are drug addicts. They have relinquished their parental rights. He is 7 years old. His grandma is sick and tried to take care of him, but she's too sick. He is being passed around like a football and it breaks my heart. Please pray for God to give Braxton a forever home. I'm not anonymous. I'm Sandy in Alaska.
ReplyDeleteOh, Sandy. This is heartbreaking. Poor little guy. God knows Braxton, and He loves him. I know if we pray in faith, asking God to open the hearts and home of a family to adopt Braxton, God will do it. I join you in prayer, my friend.♥
DeleteOh, Lord, praying for a forever home for Braxton. God bless you, Sandy.
Deletei'm praying for this young child. <><
DeleteThis is a really good message. I am a big believer that God puts people in our paths when they are needed and most times without either party knowing. Those acts of kindness and help that you did not plan or orchestrate are really showing God's love to another person. Great great message. Happy Valentines Day. Hugs. Kris
ReplyDeleteNancy, in one of your videos you mentioned perhaps starting a facebook group page. Did you decide to do that? Sandy
ReplyDeleteHi Sandy. I'm still researching exactly how to go about it. But yes, I do plan on starting a group page. Thanks for your interest!
DeleteYour last paragraph is such a wonderful summary! Trusting Jesus for our salvation is the only way, not only to obtain eternal life, but to live for Him in this world.
ReplyDeleteI have just prayed for little Braxton.
If I may, I would like to make one little addition. The English translation of Romans 10:4 needs a little clarification. The Greek word translated as 'end' is telos (Ï„Îλος). The term telos comes from Greek Philosophy (see Nicomachean Ethics by Aristotle) and it means an end goal, a final destination, or an ultimate purpose. This verse does not mean that Christ ended the law, but rather than He was the ultimate purpose of the Law, that is, that the whole point of keeping the Law is to become like Him. And that is true! The Law tells us how to love God and how to love our neighbors. And of course, we should keep the commandments out of love, for they are love!
ReplyDelete''If you love me, you will keep my commandments.'' (John 14:15, ESV)
''The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man.'' (Ecclesiastes 12:13, ESV)
Amen on this beautiful post. I've had the same conversation with friends who think if they do enough good things that all will be well and they'll be in Heaven. But Jesus did it ALL. We just have to believe and ask Him for forgiveness and trust in Him. Of course, in my little mind, a natural outpouring of that love for Him is giving to and helping others when and where we can. I have added sweet little Braxton to my prayers.
ReplyDeleteBlessings and love,
Betsy
Praying for Braxton and his entire family. May God bless them and provide for them all.
ReplyDelete