Day 260
Isaiah 25:1‐28:13; Galatians 3:10‐22; Psalm 61:1‐8; Proverbs 23:17‐18
The Righteous Shall Live by Faith
Paul has just rebuked the people of Galatia: “O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you?” (Gal 3:1). Instead of living in the freedom of Christ and grace offered by His death on the cross, the Galatians were led back to their old ways of following the Law and striving after good works to earn their salvation.
Every other religion is based on good works to earn salvation. In Islam, there is a system of scales for good and bad, leaving one to hope he has done enough good to outweigh the bad in this earthly life so he will have a place in paradise. The only guarantee is to die as a martyr – thus, the many suicide bombings in the world today by some Islamic extremists.
The good news for us as believers in Jesus Christ is that we have the assurance of a room guaranteed in God’s eternal kingdom. There is a beautiful picture, depicted in the conversation between Jesus and one of the criminals who hung on the cross next to Him. He heard Jesus pray, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.” This criminal knew he had lived a life deserving of the punishment he received. Yet, in faith, he asked: “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom.” Jesus answered him: “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:39-43). His spot was guaranteed in paradise not because of the good life he lived but because he knew he was unrighteous and by faith believed in the One who was righteous to save him.
Today many, including Christians, are fooled in the same way as the Galatians, believing if they live a good and moral life, follow The Golden Rule and Ten Commandments, they will earn their way into heaven. The truth is none of us can ever be good enough in our own abilities, and it is only by the perfect sacrifice of God’s only begotten Son Jesus Christ that we are made righteous. The Lord desires not that we strive after good works but that we give Him our full, undivided attention, “looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith” (Hebrews 12:2a). When we live by faith in Jesus Christ, we are made righteous and He removes the burden of our works. God gets the glory and we are assured a place in eternal paradise! His is the good news that we share with others!
The Rev. Robin Morical