FAITH: Comes by Hearing the Word of God
Romans 3:10: As it is written: “There is none righteous, no, not one.”
FAITH: Comes by Studying the Word of God
In case anyone was thinking there might be an exception, he does away with that idea once and for all—“‘not even one.’” We use relative terms for righteousness in respect to earthly standards, but the standard used here is the righteousness of God which is perfectly manifested in the righteousness of Christ, and none of us comes close to that. Only Jesus Christ kept the great commandment to love God with all his heart, with all his soul, with all his strength, and with all his mind, and his neighbor as himself (Luke 10:27). How many of us have kept this divine requirement perfectly since we got up this morning? “‘Not even one.’” 1
FAITH: Comes by Obeying the Word of God
For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:20
Jesus, please forgive me for my prideful heart. Please forgive my self righteous attitude. Please forgive my graceless words. When the Bible says “there is none righteous,” that includes me. I am humbled by Your redeeming blood and endless love. Without You, I can do nothing. But because of You, I can say: “Abba, Father.”
FAITH: Comes by Experiencing the Transforming Work of God
The Righteous One has redeemed me, the unrighteous one.
FAITH: Comes by Praying with the Word of God
But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Romans 5:8
Dear Father, when I was so far from You, You were so near to me. Thank You for Your saving love…in Jesus Name. Amen.
1. Kent Hughes. Preaching the Word.
