EVERYTHING!!!!

"And we know that for those who love God, all things work together for good for those who are called according to His purpose."

Romans 8:28

His Righteousness Not Mine

As my study continues through the book of Romans I stand in awe. (John Piper's sermons are guiding me.)


I was born bad because my heart is bad. I have nothing to offer Christ in and of myself. But He has offered me His righteousness which is the only means to having a relationship with my Savior.


He drew me at a young age. At 4 years old I prayed to receive Christ into my life. I knew not what this life consisted of. I knew not the challenges I would face. But I knew that Jesus died for my sins and I wanted to surrender my little life to Him. As the years came and went, my understanding grew. And still does. Each year I gain more heart knowledge of what this journey is about. And I gain more faith in putting my all in His hands. 


But without the righteousness imputed to me, I would have no hope. It was forgiveness and Christ's death on the cross that sets one free from sin, but without Christ giving me His righteousness, I am lost and dead without hope. When God looks at me, He sees His Son's perfect life. Not my pitiful, measly works.


This is transforming. This is salvation. This salvation is the Gospel. This Gospel is what saves me. And will keep me.

Romans 1:16-18
"For I am not ashamed of the Gospel; for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek. For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith, as it is written, 'the just shall live my faith'. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who by their unrighteousness, suppress the truth."

God's love was the force of sending His Son. But His Son's righteousness is the means of salvation.

It All Adds Up

Tribulations.
Perseverance.
Proven Character.
Hope.
Romans 5:2-5 remind me that these burdens essential tasks to the believer working out their salvation with fear and trembling will be evident in those who hope in God.


Not only that, but I, as a child of God, will exult in them.


Wow!


And Why?


Because the love of God has been poured out within my heart through the Holy Spirit given to me. (V.5; with personalization)


I am rich. I am loved. I must persevere.

Unmatched Kindness

I find myself so prone to judging others. As I am reading through, Brokenness, by Nancy Leigh DeMoss, I am realizing the reason for this attitude.

Pride. Plain and simple. It is a nasty snare that can so subtly creep up and entangle my heart.

Along side this book I am studying the book of Romans and wouldn't you just know it? They go hand in hand. As I read through Romans chapter 1 yesterday, much of it was a reminder of things I've already heard. Man has no excuse to reject God; for God has written His law on each man's heart as well as creation shouting out His majesty. Then I came to verse 28.

"And just as they did not see fit to acknowledge God any longer, God gave them over to a depraved mind, to do those things which are not proper."

I thought, "In order to NOT acknowledge God, they had to acknowledge Him at one time. I certainly am not in that category. I have not been given over to my sin. I have not murdered."

You can fill in the blank. I have not........

I come to chapter 2 and BAM!!! I realize the pride. Without Christ I am capable of everything Paul lists in chapter 1. I pass judgment on those doing these "wicked" things. Have I been angry? I've murdered. Have I been impatient? I've hated. I've thought I'm better than others. How wicked!

Then Paul asks the reader, "Or do you think lightly of the riches of His kindness and tolerance and patience, not knowing that the kindness of God leads you to repentance?"

It was God's kindness, compassion, and patience that drew me and yet, so often, I demand judgment on others.

Forgiveness is what is needed. For me.