Nothing To Prove, Only Jesus To Trust
Freshly washed and lifted to the light, a small picture of hearts at rest in the gift of righteousness in Jesus.
Devotional Credit: Immeasurably More by Ray Stedman
Photo Credit: Unsplash
Paul’s words in Romans 3:27 to 30 land like cool water on a hot day. Boasting gets no airtime because grace levels the ground. We are justified by faith apart from works. It is not our resume, not our streak, not our comparisons. It is Jesus, and only Jesus.
Ray Stedman helps us slow down and hear the good news. If righteousness is a gift in Jesus, then self righteousness has no chair at the table. When I catch myself thinking at least I never did that, the gospel gently takes that yardstick out of my hand. The Father welcomes people from every group on the same ground, faith in His Son. One God, one way, one family.
Stedman also shows how the law is not tossed aside. Its righteous requirement is fulfilled for us in the Lord Jesus. The law still exposes what is wrong, but it no longer condemns the one who is in Christ. When we do sin, we do not rebuild a ladder of merit. We turn to the Father again, and receive fresh forgiveness that has already been paid for at the cross.
Here is the relief. I can live today without pretending. I can confess quickly, rest deeply, and love freely. Not because I am casual about sin, but because I am confident in the Savior. The gift keeps my heart soft and my tone gentle. No boasting, only gratitude.
Journal Entry – Voice of the Holy Spirit Through Scripture
I turn your eyes to My Son. Boasting is excluded, for you are justified by faith apart from works. I open your heart to the truth that one God welcomes all nations on the same ground in Jesus. I set you free from comparison, from pride, and from shame.
The righteousness the law demanded I give to you in Christ. There is no condemnation for you who are in Him. When you sin, confess, and I am faithful and just to forgive and to cleanse. Walk in the light. Keep step with Me. Your old person was crucified with Him, and you now live by faith in the Son of God who loved you and gave Himself for you.
I remind you who you are. You are a new creation. You are reconciled. You are complete in Him. You have peace with God. My love has been poured into your heart. Abide in Jesus, and fruit will remain. When accusations speak, answer with the finished work of the cross and the presence of the indwelling Lord. I hold you fast. Nothing can separate you from My love in Christ Jesus.
Scripture references: Romans 3:27 to 30, Romans 3:23 to 24, Ephesians 2:8 to 9, Titus 3:5, Galatians 2:20, Romans 6:6 to 11, Romans 8:1 to 4, 1 John 1:7 to 9, John 1:29, John 6:37, Colossians 2:13 to 14, 2 Corinthians 5:17, 2 Corinthians 5:21, Colossians 2:9 to 10, Romans 5:1, Romans 5:5, John 15:4 to 5, Galatians 5:25, Ephesians 2:14 to 18, Colossians 3:11, Galatians 3:28, Acts 15:9, Jeremiah 9:23 to 24, 1 Corinthians 1:30 to 31, Hebrews 10:14, Romans 8:31 to 39.
Real-Life Analogy
Think about a stain remover pen on a shirt. You dab the spot, then the wash carries the stain away. You do not stand over the washer coaching the water. The detergent does the work. Living by faith in Jesus works like that. The Holy Spirit applies the finished work of the cross, and a clean conscience returns. You do not white knuckle it. You trust the One who has already made you clean.
Try this today. When a memory or mistake stings, pause your next move and say, Lord, I trust You to apply what Jesus finished and to express Your patience and honesty through me right now. Then make the call, send the message, or step into the room with a quiet heart. He is in you and will guide you.
Prayer of Confidence
Father, thank You that my righteousness is a gift in Jesus. Thank You that boasting is gone, comparison is silenced, and Your welcome is wide to every person who believes. I receive fresh forgiveness where I have stumbled, and I rejoice that the law’s demand has been met in Your Son. Lord, I trust You to keep my heart soft, my words gentle, and my steps aligned with Your grace today.