- Galatians 3:10 – For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.
- Galatians 3:11 – But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.
- Galatians 3:12 – And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.
- Galatians 3:13 – Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree.
- Galatians 3:14 – That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
- Galatians 3:21 – Is the law then against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given which could have given life, verily righteousness should have been by the law.
- Galatians 3:22 – But the scripture hath concluded all under sin, that the promise by faith of Jesus Christ might be given to them that believe.
- Galatians 3:23 – But before faith came, we were kept under the law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed.
- Galatians 3:24 – Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.
- James 2:10 – For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.
Salvation is not a reward we earn; it is a gift given to us through Jesus Christ. He conquered sin so that we could be free. Many of us are used to working to win rewards. We get a paycheck for completing work, and we might earn bonuses for exceeding expectations. It is no surprise, then, that many think salvation depends on our own efforts. But that is not how salvation works. God gave commandments to show His standard of holiness. But no one except Jesus Christ has perfectly kept these commandments. James 2:10 says that whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. A single thought of jealousy, a hurtful word, or a disrespectful action shows that we fall short of God's standard of holiness. If salvation depended on our own righteousness, no one could be saved. Our Heavenly Father knew that our own strength was not enough to fully obey His commandments. Through His grace, our Savior Jesus Christ took our sins upon Himself, died, and rose again. By this, He conquered sin and opened the way to freedom for us. The death and resurrection of Jesus were the key to freeing us from the bondage of sin. This salvation is open to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. When we believe in Him, our lives change. As we dedicate ourselves to Him, we learn to live in the freedom He provides. Truth for today: Salvation is not a reward for our works; it is a gift of God's grace that we receive through faith in Jesus Christ.
Reflection
Are you still relying on your own good works to earn salvation, or are you trusting entirely in God's grace and the sacrifice of Jesus Christ?
