13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.
Two Choices. Now Decide.
It really does boil down to two options. Either we emphasize the Law, and demand that people follow it to the letter in order to experience forgiveness from sin. Or, we accept the gift of grace and recognize that it isn’t in what we do or don’t do, but in what Christ has already done.
It can’t be both. Not for you nor for those you want to point a finger at. It’s one option for everyone.
Again, the choice we make will determine how we view all that we do as Christ followers. It doesn’t change that God calls us to a certain standard. Sin is very much a reality in today’s age. What changes is the attitude with which we face God’s standard. Do we face it with the pressure of having to obey God or face his wrath? Or do we face it with the desire to please a God who has done so much for us.
That attitude is determined by how you view forgiveness. Is it based on what we do in obeying the Law or is it based on what unmerited grace. You decide.
My prayer: I chose to base forgiveness on unmerited grace. By faith I once again receive all that you have done on my behalf. I choose to live my life according to your plan because I recognize that what you have in store for me is more wonderful than anything I could imagine on my own. Take my life and let me live freely for you this day. Amen.
Until tomorrow.
