Published Date: August 6, 2018
SCRIPTURE:
But the righteousness based on faith [imputed by God and bringing right relationship with Him] says, Do not say in your heart, Who will ascend into Heaven? that is, to bring Christ down; Or who will descend into the abyss? that is, to bring Christ up from the dead [as if we could be saved by our own efforts]. But what does it say? The Word (God’s message in Christ) is near you, on your lips and in your heart; that is, the Word (the message, the basis and object) of faith which we preach,
(Romans 10:6-8 AMP)
DEVOTIONAL:
We have great hope! Hope for salvation, hope for healing, hope for provision and protection and for all that we need. Where does this hope come from?
Throughout the Bible, we see that God’s promises and blessings abound for the righteous. But, there is a problem—no man or woman can be righteous in their own ability or strength no matter how hard they may try to do everything right. Are you trying to please God today by your own efforts? Do you think that if you just pray a little longer, fast, read the Bible more or give to the poor that this will earn you points with our Heavenly Father?
These are all good things to do, but they will not make you “righteous.” Only by faith in the precious blood shed by Jesus Christ to pay the penalty for sin and to deliver us from sickness and all things that are under the curse of sin, are we proclaimed “righteous.” Romans, chapter 10, teaches that we do not have to search for Christ, but that His Word—the message of righteousness by faith—is in our hearts. We just need to speak it out with our lips!
PRAYER:
Lord, I believe in my heart and confess with my lips that Jesus is Lord and that You raised Him from the dead. He is my righteousness... He is my Savior, Healer, Protector, Provider and the Restorer of all things in my life. Thank you, Father, for Your grace…that I can be righteous in Your sight through my faith in Your Son. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.