for, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. Romans 10:9 NABRE
In Chapter 10 of the letter to the community in Rome from Paul we read about the people of Israel not coming to the Messiah, but the Gentiles are becoming followers in much larger numbers. Paul addresses the issue of the law as the means to ready the people of Israel for the Messiah. God selected the Israelites to be His followers and look out for the Messiah, recognizing the Messiah when He comes. Paul knows the people are focused on the law as if it is the goal rather than the path to righteousness. Righteousness comes from God, it is attainment of new life, eternal life. But the Israelites believe fulfilling the law makes them righteous. Paul wants the people to have a righteousness of faith. It is true following the Law of Moses leads to a place where righteousness can be bestowed, but it is not earned or some worthiness contest. Following the law is to bring the Israelites to a place where they can have a righteousness of faith. Where they are ready to believe in Jesus, to believe He was raised from the dead, and receive salvation from His life and death. The law is fulfilled in Jesus.
We can fall into the same trap today. We think doing good is the goal, that God is seeking some moral person who will be an example for others. God does not seek law abiders, people who follow all the rules of the Church. God wants us to understand that we inhabit Jesus and He inhabits us. People whose faith is such they will do for others and love as God loves. People who believe Jesus is the way and believe it with every fiber of who they are; mind, heart, mouth, soul.
Do you think following the rules is the purpose of life? Do you know that only God can declare you worthy?
God does not seek law abiders, people who follow all the rules of the Church. God wants us to understand that we inhabit Jesus and He inhabits us. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus#christianity #dailybibleverse@youversion #BeAnEncourager #law#faith #Paul #everybodyalways #god#jesuschrist #jesussaves #godisgood#dailydevotion #biblestudy #scripture#bibleverse #verseoftheday #pray#prayer #goodnews #loveeachother#godisgreat #bocaraton #youversion#everythingalways