We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.
Romans 3:22, NLT*
I like the NLT’s use of “made right with God”. The NIV equivalent is “righteousness,” which we can sometimes misconstrue. They really both mean the same, but this way it’s easier to see the focus on relationship with God rather than focusing on ourselves.
What caught me about this verse, though, is “placing our faith in Jesus Christ”.
This is more than intellectual belief, more than a casual agreement.
It’s an active trust, the same as we would sit in a chair or step onto a bridge. We place our faith in Jesus Christ. This suggests a few things to me:
- following His way instead of living for ourselves
- walking with Him each day and in each situation
- relying on His leading, equipping, presence and protection
- trusting Him to work things out as He chooses
- trusting the goodness of His character
- living to bring glory to God the Father
Holy and majestic God, there is none like You. Thank You for making a way for us to be right with You through faith in Jesus. Thank You for His death and resurrection, the most costly gift we’ve ever been offered. Thank You for the faith to believe. Help us to embrace this faith actively and fully and to let faith in Jesus change the way we live each moment, to Your glory.
∞
This week’s song is Chris Tomlin‘s “Jesus Messiah“.
*New Living Translation (NLT) Holy Bible. New Living Translation copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
[Linked with Wednesday’s Word]
I really like the thought that we need to trust God to work things out as he chooses. Often it is hard to trust in this area. Thanks for the encouragement!
It sure is hard, Ruth Ann… because God’s way most likely isn’t our way! Sometimes it’s hard to see that His way is better, but it is. Have a great day!
Janet,
We are on the same wavelength today. Mine is Committed… to Jesus. So focusing on Him and letting everything else pass by.
Blessings,
Janis http://www.janiscox.com
Loved your Committed post, Janis. Thanks for that!
What a lovely way to end a great day!
Thanks, Stephanie, and I’m glad your day was so great!