Justified

16 “know that a man is not justified by observing the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.”

Some Jews of that time went to the new gentile Christians and told them that in order to be real “Christians” they would need to follow the Jewish custom of circumcision. This belief would make a salvation that is composed of something + Jesus = Salvation. That something, whether circumcision, or any other act, is considered “works”. Paul made it clear that we as a people are not justified by observing the law. We are only justified by faith in Jesus.
Being justified is an awesome thought. In the book of Romans we read that, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Rom. 6:23. Also in chapter three of that same book Paul writes, “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus” Rom. 3:23-24. This scripture says that we have a wage to pay because we are sinners. This wage is death. I am guilty for breaking God’s rule. However, the word “Justified” means that by trusting in faith and accepting God’s free gift of salvation through His son Jesus, I have been acquitted. I am no longer guilty in God’s sight. We can ruin the message of Christ by adding to His word. Being a good person will not get you into heaven. Doing religious things will not work either. Only by having a relationship with Jesus, having accepted His free gift of forgiveness and grace, will you go to heaven. He desires only you, not your works or anything that you can produce. Remember, Nothing + Jesus = Salvation

Tomorrows Readings:
Old Testament: Isaiah 3-6 New Testament Gal 3