Romans 11 - 5.21.25
Scripture: Romans 11:6
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Observation
Over and over in the book of Romans, Paul reminds us that it is only through God’s grace that we are saved.
Romans 3:10 As it is written:“There is no one righteous (free from guilt or sin), not even one;
Following the law will not save us, because we are imperfect and incapable of perfection. God is perfect.
Romans 4:4-5 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
Good works will not save us. We cannot work our way into God’s love and forgiveness. We cannot save ourselves. We need a savior.
Romans 4:6-8 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
“Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
All we have to do is believe and ask.
I John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
Application
I am so blessed to have my sins forgiven. And yet, I still struggle sometimes to understand and accept that forgiveness. I cannot comprehend how God can continue to forgive me when I don’t deserve it. But really, that is the point. I don’t deserve it. I never deserved it. And there’s no way I can ever do enough to deserve it. I continually try to make it about me, when it is really about Him - his love, his forgiveness, his grace, his righteousness.
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.
Prayer
Thank you God that your mercies are new every morning. I am blessed because my sins have been forgiven. I am blessed to serve a righteous and holy God who hates sin, but loves me enough to show me grace. I am blessed to serve a God who has patience as I struggle and grow and learn. Thank you that through faith I can have relationship with you. Thank you for your grace.
- Debbie Dunn
