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Read: Romans 4:13-23
As I ripened in age and in my faith in God deepened, my desire for a better understanding of the notion of salvation heightened. I was constantly troubled by the belief that I could earn my way to salvation by satisfying certain biblical requirements and established lifestyle that would guarantee my claim to salvation. The passage of scripture cited above (Romans 4:13-23) proved me wrong and aptly addressed my concerns, as it exposed me further to the depth and constancy of God’s love for us. The passage instructs us that salvation is neither based nor dependent on performance or qualified competencies. It is earned through God’s grace. Unlike a classroom or paper and pencil test, or a law or legal contract, salvation is not competency driven or performance based. The promise of salvation is an unqualified and unmerited gift of faith that is not earned through work or merit. The salvation of every child of God is free as a product of righteousness through faith. Like Abraham and his offspring who received the promise of heir to the world, so are we, as children of God, inheritors of the promise of salvation through God’s grace. Almighty and generous father, we thank you for being your children, beneficiaries of your love, and inheritors of your promise. We ask for your continued guidance and strength to enable us to resist all thoughts, actions, and temptations that can drift us into disobedience or waywardness. Lord, we ask for wisdom and courage to amply appreciate the knowledge of your boundless love and the enormity of your grace and promise. Teach us to be ever mindful of the obligation to strengthen our faith, as we seek righteousness, to humbly embrace your precepts, and always find inspiration and motivation in your promise. Teach us to show appreciation for your love through worship and thanksgiving, to show compliance with your precepts through humility, and to show the hope of salvation through faith. May we always glorify your name through Christ our Lord. Amen. Francis Nicol Comments are closed.
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