Romans 1:17

 For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith” ~ Romans 1:17

 

Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sin, from our being lost to eternal joy, to save us from present and eternal separation from Him, our God. He took on flesh so that He might relate to us, yet He was also fully God. In flesh He hungered in the dessert, He was tired enough to sleep in a boat, He cried at the death of a friend, He was thirsty at a well. All that we experience as humans, Jesus experienced, with one difference: He did not sin. He came in human flesh so that He could relate to our needs. What God does this? As He is in the flesh, we draw close to Him; as God, we worship Him. This is the “gospel of righteousness revealed.” It is God’s plan of justifying people and releasing them of punishment – God on earth, sent to die and take our sins, nailing them to a tree with His body. It is in this act of grace we have our confidence. We live by faith in Jesus, in His work, in His saving mercy. We live in Him, and by faith we live in joy, in comfort of knowing we shall one day be with Him, in the promise of eternal life. We do not do this of our own accord, that is, find the strength to live such a way, but we rely on Jesus Christ and in our confidence of His word and promises. Those who rely upon Him will be justified and they will be saved. Living by faith is a Monday to Sunday experience, not just for emergencies, but it is a steady flow of a quiet river which continues to flow in the spirit of men and women. It is a “Pilgrims Promise” in the journey of life we all encounter individually, yet corporately as people of faith in Christ.     

Pastor Julia                

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