RIGHTEOUSNESS THROUGH FAITH -- Tomorrow:
"But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; to declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus." (Rom 3:21-26)
Devotion 14 of 24
"FREELY"
" . . . being justified freely . . . "
The word "freely" is rich with meaning. It carries the idea of gratuitously, or without human cause. It also carries the idea of "without cost, as a free gift." Additionally, it means undeservedly, or without [human] reason.
This is the ONLY way righteousness can be given to men, for "all have sinned and come short of the glory of God." It is not a reward for doing good, for "there is none that doeth good, no not one" (3:12).
The prophet Isaiah foretold of the nature of justification. "Ho! Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters; And you WHO HAVE NO MONEY, Come, buy and eat. Yes, come, buy wine and milk WITHOUT MONEY and WITHOUT PRICE" (Isa 55:1, NKJV). In justification, what will be our inheritance in glory is tasted in this world in a first fruits sense. Jesus has promised, "I will give of the fountain of the water of life FREELY to him who thirsts" (Rev 21:6). That begins now – in justification – when we are made righteous.
BY HIS GRACE
" . . . by His grace." Here "grace" is contrasted with "works." As it is written elsewhere, "And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work" (Rom 11:6, NKJV). Either righteousness is a reward for doing what is good, or it is a gift from God. It cannot be both. Our text confirms the latter: it is a gift from God, given apart from human merit or accomplishment.
While men do enter into the matter, their part is neither foundational nor causal. In our salvation, God is motivated by Himself – by His own Nature. The impetus behind our salvation is not human need or a human quest, but the inclination of God Himself.
FAVOR
"Grace" is an exceedingly large word. It includes the idea of favor, regard, or blessing. This is expressed in the words, "But Noah found grace in the eyes of the Lord" (Gen 6:8).
DIVINE PLEASURE
"Grace" also includes the idea of pleasure; i.e., that God takes pleasure in justifying men. The whole plan of salvation is "according to the good pleasure of His will" (Eph 1:5). This is the "good pleasure which He hath purposed in Himself" (Eph 1:9). There is a telling expression of this facet of grace in the Thessalonian Epistle. "Therefore we also pray always for you that our God would count you worthy of this calling, and fulfill all the good pleasure of His goodness and the work of faith with power, that the name of our Lord Jesus Christ may be glorified in you, and you in Him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ" (2 Thess 1:11-12).
ABUNDANCE
"Grace" carries the thought of liberality, abundance, and copiousness. Thus those in Christ Jesus are said to receive "ABUNDANCE of grace and of the gift of righteousness" (Rom 5:17). One of the great expressions of this truth is found in First Timothy 1:14. "And the grace of our Lord was EXCEEDING ABUNDANT with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus."
PURPOSE
"Grace" also includes the thought of Divine purpose or objective. Grace carries the idea of producing something, or completing a Divine purpose. Thus we are called "according to His PURPOSE" (Rom 8:28). A grand statement of this facet of grace is found in the book of Second Timothy. "Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own PURPOSE AND GRACE, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began" (1:9). The Divine objective that is realized through grace is the real objective, and not the grace itself, which is the appointed means of fulfilling that objective. Grace, then, DOES something, and is ALWAYS set within the framework of something that is being done, or accomplished.
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the genius of Your great salvation, that satisfies those who come to You through Your Son, as is pleasing and gratifying to Yourself as well.