Resting in Grace, Not Earning God’s Favor
Resting in Grace, Not Earning God’s Favor
Salvation is not a reward for good behavior or religious effort; it is a gift, freely given by God through Christ. Many struggle with anxiety about whether they are “good enough” for God, but the truth is that our confidence is not in our ability to hold onto Him, but in His unshakable grip on us. Grace means that we can rest, knowing that our standing with God is secure because of what Jesus has done.
This truth frees us from striving and fear. Instead of living to earn God’s approval, we live in response to His love. Our good works are not a way to gain acceptance, but a joyful expression of gratitude for the grace we have received. When we truly grasp this, it changes the way we relate to God and to others.
Titus 3:4-7 (KJV): “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Reflection:
Where do you find yourself striving to earn God’s approval? How can you practice resting in His finished work today?
To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click the link below:
https://www.mbcpb.org/media
Salvation is not a reward for good behavior or religious effort; it is a gift, freely given by God through Christ. Many struggle with anxiety about whether they are “good enough” for God, but the truth is that our confidence is not in our ability to hold onto Him, but in His unshakable grip on us. Grace means that we can rest, knowing that our standing with God is secure because of what Jesus has done.
This truth frees us from striving and fear. Instead of living to earn God’s approval, we live in response to His love. Our good works are not a way to gain acceptance, but a joyful expression of gratitude for the grace we have received. When we truly grasp this, it changes the way we relate to God and to others.
Titus 3:4-7 (KJV): “But after that the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man appeared, Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; Which he shed on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; That being justified by his grace, we should be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Reflection:
Where do you find yourself striving to earn God’s approval? How can you practice resting in His finished work today?
To listen to the sermon that corresponds with this devotion, click the link below:
https://www.mbcpb.org/media
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