Topic: Reckoned Righteous [Wednesday March 7th, 2018]
Text: Romans 4:1-15 (KJV)
Key Verse: “For what saith the scriptures? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3).
MESSAGE:
The point of justification by faith is made in the John Wesley’s life changing experience in Aldersgate Street in May 17, 1738. He acknowledged that he has become a true believer through justification by faith since the previous March and yet he knew he lacked something and was hungry for it. But at that meeting, he said, “I felt my heart strangely warmed…” He had believed before, but now he had an assurance; he was given this direct, immediate, overwhelming experience and testimony by the Spirit, and his ministry was transformed. He said that before this experience, he had had the faith of a servant, but now it was that of a son.
Justification is a legal standing with God, based upon Christ’s death and resurrection, and our faith in Him. It means to look at someone guilty and declare that he is now innocent, righteous and free. The record of offence has been wiped away.
Some religious dogmas fail to recognize the difference between working for salvation and working from salvation. We do not work in order to receive salvation; rather, we work because we have already received it. God works salvation in us by justification and we work it out in sanctification (Philippians 2:12,13). But neither justification nor sanctification can be merited by works; they are given by grace. Therefore, someone who is truly saved will manifest good works. If there is no good works present, then there is no reason to believe that true saving faith is present. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
Thought For The Day: Repentance, not penance, is required for justification.
Bible Reading in a Year: Numbers 28-30
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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