Not by effort, but by grace.

Romans 9:30-31 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, attained righteousness, even the righteousness which is by faith; but Israel, pursuing a law of righteousness, did not arrive at that law. Paul’s way of drawing a conclusion was to ask the question, “What shall we say then?” Then he stated his conclusion. God gave the Law to Israel, and they tried to do it (attain a righteousness), but failed. On the other hand, God didn’t give the Law to the Gentiles, yet He gave them His righteousness, and therefore they attained without effort what the Jews did not attain with effort. People who have grown up in church and have heard the word of God may face the same dilemma that the Jews faced. They know how they are to behave, and may show great effort to do the right things and avoid the wrong things. Yet, their efforts fall short because they are trying to live for Jesus in their own strength. Then in contrast, there are people who are biblically illiterate, who when they hear the gospel of the free gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus, simply acknowledge they are hopelessly doomed without God’s mercy. They receive His mercy and grace and enter into peace with God through the righteousness of Christ. What shall we say to what Paul has written? What is our conclusion from Rom. 9:1-29? We should be amazed and stunned at the love and grace of God revealed through Jesus Christ to those who believe in Him. We should give God thanks for the free gift of righteousness that enables us to worship, pray, and live through Jesus. What tremendous, glorious grace we stand in which offers us peace with God. There we stand, uncondemned and blameless in His presence. From this place of grace, in Christ, we live our lives out of fullness. We can live satisfied in His love and comforted by His will and purpose for us. We are expressions of the love of God in this world. Be encouraged today by the gift of God’s righteousness which you have attained, not by your efforts, but by His grace. Acknowledgment: Music from “Carried by the Father” by Eric Terlizzi. www.ericterlizzi.com