Good News
We had an overcast, but comfortable day today. I had my Monday Chiropractor appointment then made it home in time for our routine window cleaning. I have tried my hand at walking with one crutch, just to test my strength. I am getting closer.
BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “…we know that a person is made right with God not by following the law, but by trusting in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus, that we might be made right with God because we trusted in Christ. It is not because we followed the law, because no one can be made right with God by following the law.” Galatians 2:16
This verse is one of the most straight forward statements about how we are “made right with God.” It is not by following “the law” doing what we think is right or even trying to follow the “Ten Commandments.” We are made right with God through “trusting in Jesus Christ.” This simplicity is not intended to be narrow and rigid, but clear and concise.
We come to God through Christ, Paul wrote to Timothy and said, “For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus…” (1 Timothy 2:5 ESV) Through Christ alone, by faith alone. Why is that “good news”? It is good news because, we don’t have to do the impossible (be perfect) to right with God. It is good news because faith in Christ is the great equalizer. It doesn’t matter your background, income level, position in society or education, where you live on the earth or anything else. The same plan for all people.
In the opening verses of Galatians, Paul declares the blessing of salvation through Christ, “Jesus gave himself for our sins to free us from this evil world we live in, as God the Father planned.” (Gal. 1:4) When we are “right with God” through Christ, we are free from the judgment of sin that comes in this world and we are given the power and grace to overcome the sin in this world. Paul said, “…I live by faith in the Son of God who loved me and gave himself to save me.” (Gal. 2:20) That is the source of our strength.
When we trust Christ we identify with Him in His death and in His resurrection. Paul said, “I am crucified with Christ…” (Gal. 2:20) Jesus told His disciples, “Because I live you too shall live.” (John 14:19)
When we in trust Christ we anticipate our destiny in Him. Jesus said, “…I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me so that you may be where I am.“ (John 14:3) I also like hope-filled declaration of I Thessalonians 4:17 “Then we will be with the Lord forever.“
There are many things that happen that people describe as, “good news.” But having confidence that we are “right with God” through trusting Jesus and that we have “strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow” is the good news that really matters.