Grace Plus Nothing

Today's Devotional comes to us from council member Faith Peay.

One of my favorite books , “Grace Plus Nothing” by Jeff Harkin, is a book  I read  a few years ago and it had such an impact on my Christian walk that I love to share.  So here goes:   Let’s face it.  We live in a society that has more information about God than any other place on this planet.  There are more how- to get holy, to be healed, to have prosperity to, well, you name it. But even if you feel you are successful in righteousness, you will still yearn for that abiding peace and lasting satisfaction.  Where are they?  Christians are supposed to have them right?

I had an angry parent to live with who was very religious to a fault.  She knew all of the rules about obeying God, and what you should and should not do.  It was all about doing things right and perfect, and that’s how you get God’s love, approval and favor. It took years to understand that that just isn’t true.  Every Christian must face this truth:  Our righteousness can’t do it.  That’s the first chapter of Jeff’s book.   I felt I could never live up to God’s expectations.  It seemed like everyone was more holy than me.  I felt condemned.  I finally gave up.  I can’t do this, and this allowed God to intervene in a powerful way in my life.  God does not cause your failure,  but he allows you to fail in order to reveal that your righteousness can never satisfy his requirements for righteousness.

The standard of the gospel is always God’s righteousness.  How do we obtain this?

(Romans 3: 21-24) But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is Christ Jesus.

God’s standard is always God’s righteousness, and that is where you find peace.  You do not find peace trusting in your own righteousness, but from trusting only Christ, by having faith in Him and His gift of righteousness.

Romans 5:1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thanks for letting me share,

Faith