Daily Writing

Monday, 22 July 2019

Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? James 2:25

James now proceeds to his final example of being justified by works. Here, he uses the harlot Rahab as an example. Unlike Abraham, who is discussed in detail by Paul concerning being justified by faith alone, there is very little mention of Rahab in Scripture, and she is only mentioned three times in the New Testament.

The first of these three times is in the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew 1. Her name is simply mentioned along with other names in the list. She is then mentioned in Hebrews 11 in a single verse. And now she is mentioned in this one verse by James. In the Old Testament, it tells of what she did in Joshua 2, and the results of that for her in Joshua 6. On a cursory reading, everything about what she did in Joshua 2 appears to be an active work on her part.

Because of this, James says, “was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works.” This is James’ position, and it is recorded in Scripture. It must be true. As noted, the account of Joshua 2 tells what she did, and the account in Joshua 6 shows the result – the saving of her family and herself. James then explicitly cites the work that she did. It was “when she received the messengers and sent them out another way.”

Here, like in the evaluation of the previous verse, someone might now argue that James is referring to actual, demonstrable deeds leading to righteousness. The idea (as the RCC would claim) is that Rahab has participated in her justification through her deeds. This is good news for people like Bill Gates who do lots of things to be considered philanthropic and caring. Maybe there is hope for him because of all he has done!

No. It doesn’t work that way. A man is justified by faith alone – apart from deeds of the law. This is what Paul speaks of, and it is actually – once again – supported by Hebrews 11 –

“By faith the harlot Rahab did not perish with those who did not believe, when she had received the spies with peace.” Hebrews 11:31

Hebrews 11, which is prior to the book of James for a reason in Scripture, cites the exact same deed that James now cites. And it says Rahab’s deed was a deed of faith. It was not separate from, but because of, her faith. Her faith saved her and it was expressed in her deed. In other words, a deed, not done in faith, is of no value in this equation. Bill Gates cannot use James 2 to say he stands justified before God, and the RCC cannot say that a person’s arbitrary deeds increase their justification before God. It is by faith, and by faith alone, that one is justified before God. The deeds of faith are what James is referring to.

When someone says, “Good deeds are the fruit of faith,” the question to then be asked is, “What deeds?” Unless the answer is, “Deeds of faith,” then they have missed the mark of what Scripture is referring to. And, the only One who can determine if a deed is of faith is God who reads the hearts and minds. Arbitrary standards of what constitutes “good deeds” are to be rejected. A person’s faith belongs to that person alone.

Life application: “By faith,” Rahab was saved. The faith justifies. The deed is merely an attachment to the faith. Many attempt to climb high mountains, but the lack of motivation to reach the summit will often outweigh the physical ability to do so; some will turn back without accomplishing their task. In contrast, those who truly desire to reach the summit can do so – even if they have far less physical strength than those who couldn’t make it. Those with faith that they can do it will be those who prevail.

We often quit a task because we don’t have faith in a positive outcome. Those who do, even with fewer resources, will continue on and be successful. The outcome is attainable, but the faith is vital.

In Matthew 17, Jesus’ disciples couldn’t heal a boy with a demon. Jesus rebuked them by saying, “O faithless and perverse generation…” (Matthew 17:17). Later when they asked Him why they couldn’t drive out the demon, He responded –

“Because of your unbelief; for assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith as a mustard seed, you will say to this mountain, ‘Move from here to there,’ and it will move; and nothing will be impossible for you. ²¹ However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.’” Matthew 17:20, 21

The outcome then was possible, but they lacked the proper faith to bring it about. Rahab had saving faith in the God of Israel. Her words indicate this –

“And as soon as we heard these things, our hearts melted; neither did there remain any more courage in anyone because of you, for the Lord your God, He is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.” Joshua 2:11

Rahab understood the omnipotence of the LORD and put her trust in it. Today, if you are facing a difficult situation, remember that God is in complete control. Have faith that what He has planned is sufficient to accomplish the task according to His will and for your best interests.

Lord, if Rahab the harlot can demonstrate such immense faith despite the situation she faced, surely we can too. Be with us and strengthen our faith that we might stand in the times of testing and trial. Give us faith that can move mountains and the certainty that what we need to accomplish will occur if it is in accord with Your sovereign will. To Your glory and in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Sunday, 21 July 2019

You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. James 2:24

James 2:24 is one of the most debated verses in the book of James, and even in the New Testament. It is in the indicative mood, and is likely a question, rather than a statement of fact. Thus, the Douay-Rheims Bible says –

“Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only?”

Further, the word “only,” is in the emphatic position. In essence, James asks it with a stress. He is arguing that someone who has faith only and is unwilling to exercise that faith, is missing a key element of the process of justification. As questioned before concerning works that justify, “What works?” Is there a set standard of works which defines justification? How is a person justified before God?

Concerning justification, Paul states, “Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (Romans 3:28). Deeds of the law, meaning the law of Moses (or certainly whatever other law exists at the time, because the Law of Moses did not exist at the time of Abraham) cannot justify. Man is justified apart from deeds of the law.

Rather, our faith alone in what Jesus has done justifies us, apart from the law. However, what James has written seems, on the surface, to conflict with Paul’s idea of “faith alone” for justification.

Either there is a contradiction or James is speaking on an entirely different level concerning the same matter. Paul is very clear in what he means and repeats his stand of faith alone elsewhere. He makes the same exact claim four more times his epistles: Romans 5:1, Galatians 2:16, Galatians 3:11, and Galatians 3:24. These verses and their surrounding thoughts clearly point to justification (being declared righteous) by faith alone. In addition to this, his letters allude to this concept many other times.

Biblical commentaries will state that good works stem necessarily from salvation because of “true faith.” In other words, if you have true faith, you will naturally do “good works.” Therefore, the claim is that James is referring to good works as the “fruit” of justification or “proof of faith.” In fact, many people judge another’s salvation based on the works they do; the claim is that if there are no works, there is no saving faith. This is shallow at best and fails to recognize two things:

1) That non-Christians – all over the world – are actively doing “good works.” Many times these are equal to or better than those of saved Christians. Even self-proclaimed “atheists” go out and do good stuff for other people. Such works simply cannot be what justifies us or “proves” our justification, in any way, shape, or form. If they do, then non-believers have a right to look down on Christians who don’t do what they do and at the same level of output.

2) This doesn’t align at all with what James is saying. James is saying that a person is “justified by works,” not that justification is somehow proved by what he does.

Good works as a demonstration of salvation may appear to be the biblical admonition, but it is not always the biblical norm. The entire book of 1 Corinthians is written to already-saved believers. Paul never questions their salvation – even in the midst of gross immorality that was worse than the pagans. They are the most disorganized, haphazard bunch of people one can imagine. Good works are certainly lacking in the lives of these saved people… and yet they are saved – hence justified.

If one pursues works as evidence of true saving faith to its logical conclusion, then no known amount of good works could ever be enough to justify a person or prove that justification. In essence, one would be in a never-ending cycle of fret as to whether he has “appeased” God enough to prove his faith. This is the dilemma that Martin Luther was caught in. Roman Catholicism completely controlled its adherents in this respect, of which he was one. In essence, he was in complete bondage to the strict edicts and demands of the Roman Catholic Church.

The extra-biblical teachings of depraved men grow abundantly in such an environment – indulgences, purgatory, prayers to the saints, adoration of Mary, legalism of all types, etc. are all the natural result of leaving behind the simplicity of the Gospel of Jesus which says we are justified by faith alone.

The RCC, in its official canons from the Council of Trent (which are in full effect today), goes beyond Scripture and actually implicitly declares the Apostle Paul anathema. This is because what is being stated in them is 100% contrary to what he wrote. Additionally, canon 23 directly contradicts Jesus’ words and therefore, by default, proclaims Jesus anathema (oops):

Canon 9 “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.”

Canon 10 “If any one shall say that justifying faith is nothing else than confidence in the divine mercy pardoning sins for Christ’s sake, or that it is that confidence alone by which we are justified … let him be accursed”

Canon 14 “If any one saith, that man is truly absolved from his sins and justified, because that he assuredly believed himself absolved and justified; or, that no one is truly justified but he who believes himself justified; and that, by this faith alone, absolution and justification are effected; let him be anathema.”

Canon 23 “lf any one saith, that a man once justified can sin no more, nor lose grace, and that therefore he that falls and sins was never truly justified; or, on the other hand, that he is able, during his whole life, to avoid all sins, even those that are venial,- except by a special privilege from God, as the Church holds in regard of the Blessed Virgin; let him be anathema.” (Underlining added by me.)

Canon 24 “If any one saith, that the justice received is not preserved and also increased before God through good works; but that the said works are merely the fruits and signs of Justification obtained, but not a cause of the increase thereof; let him be anathema.”

Canon 30 “If any one saith, that, after the grace of Justification has been received, to every penitent sinner the guilt is remitted, and the debt of eternal punishment is blotted out in such wise, that there remains not any debt of temporal punishment to be discharged either in this world, or in the next in Purgatory, before the entrance to the kingdom of heaven can be opened (to him); let him be anathema.”

Canon 33 “If any one saith, that, by the Catholic doctrine touching Justification, by this holy Synod inset forth in this present decree, the glory of God, or the merits of our Lord Jesus Christ are in any way derogated from, and not rather that the truth of our faith, and the glory in fine of God and of Jesus Christ are rendered (more) illustrious; let him be anathema.”

This council declares that if anyone disagrees with it, rather than the teachings of Scripture, they are damned.

If these official canons were true, then the message of eternal life through the work of Jesus Christ (by faith alone) would be false. Further, salvation would be entirely up to the determination of the RCC. Thanks be to God, however, that the truth of the gospel is that we are saved, justified, sanctified, and glorified by Jesus’ work alone.

However, this still doesn’t resolve the apparent conflict between Romans 3:28 and James 2:24. Our arbitrary works cannot resolve the dilemma between what Paul said and what James said, and so the answer must not lie within us at all. Rather the good works which justify us according to James must be as Jesus declared.

“Jesus answered and said to them, ‘This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.’” John 6:29

This is because –

“He who believes in Me, believes not in Me but in Him who sent Me.” John 12:44

Our faith in Jesus is the “work” that God requires. We believe in (have faith in) Jesus’ earthly ministry and are justified as Paul says in Romans. Our justification in what we do then (according to James) must be our reliance on Jesus’ works – His continued work on our behalf as the Mediator between God and man and the future promises which we wait patiently for. This is exactly what was seen in Abraham. He believed that his son, Isaac, would be the son of promise even though he was about to sacrifice him.

If this isn’t the case, then we remain in a never-ending cycle of wondering if our “works” are justifying us – even though Paul says we are already justified. By necessity, it must all come back to Christ.

This is even confirmed by James –

But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? ²¹ Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? ²² Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:20-22

Paul states in Romans 4 that Abraham was justified (declared righteous) by faith, and then he cites Genesis 15. But James cites Genesis 22 (seven chapters and many years after the declaration of righteousness made in Genesis 15). The Genesis 22 account (which James refers to) is explained in Hebrews 11:17-19 –

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ ¹⁹ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.”

Do you see? Abraham’s faith (By faith Abraham…) was made complete in what he did, as it was motivated by further faith in God. This was the very work that James is citing. The deed is the faith in God’s provision to bring Isaac back from the dead. It is not the sacrificing of Isaac, but the trust in God that is being spoken of in the words, “By faith Abraham.”

From first to last, our declaration of justification is from and of Jesus Christ – what He did on our behalf. Our works of justification are faith in Him and the works He is accomplishing and will accomplish on our behalf. Again –

“This is the work of God, that you believe in Him whom He sent.” John 6:29

One argument against this could be that James, in most of chapter 2, is talking about actual, demonstrable deeds leading to righteousness. As an example –

“What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? ¹⁵ If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, ¹⁶ and one of you says to them, ‘Depart in peace, be warmed and filled,’ but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? ¹⁷ Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” James 2:14-17

Counterargument – James gives a tangible example of food and clothing, but then turns to say, “faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.” However, no action is specified. We’ve already determined that the action required for justification is faith. Our faith justifies us through and through.

In the coming verse, James will cite another example of works justifying a person. Will that example align with what is presented here? We shall see when we get to it. For now, Romans 4 debunks any thought of boasting before God based on deeds. Take time to read the entire passage again to understand what it is saying. Understand that it fully supports what is presented here.

Life application: To say that justification leads naturally to good works and that they, therefore, prove salvation discounts the biblical example (which is cited in this note) and it also leads to a never-ending cycle of wondering which works count and which don’t. Rather, all good things come from Christ, belong to Christ, and are by necessity a result of what He alone has done, is doing, or will do for us. Have faith in Him and His salvation and you are secure in that…in that alone.

Concerning the gospel of Christ, Paul says –

“For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:17

“Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.” Romans 8:30

Have faith in Jesus Christ – what He did for you, what He is doing for you, and what He has promised to you. Your works of faith are a demonstration of your faith.

Lord God, the Bible says that Christ Jesus has done everything necessary for us to be saved, and that our faith alone is sufficient to reconcile us to You. Help us not to fall back onto a law which could never save, but to trust in the One who fulfilled that law for us. And then, Lord, help us to have faith that this is so, and that the promises He has made are sure and reliable. With this, You will certainly be pleased. Thank You for Jesus – the One who has saved us! Amen.

Saturday, 20 July 2019

And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. James 2:23

James now goes to Scripture to support his claim concerning Abraham that “faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect.” He says, “And the Scripture was fulfilled.”

The word “fulfilled” is argued by some to mean “confirm” or something akin to that. But the meaning is properly “fulfilled,” and it is rightly translated that way. With this understood, he then cites a verse from Genesis 15:6. There it says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Again, it must be remembered that Genesis 15:6 occurred many years before the offering of Isaac in Genesis 22. How could Scripture be “fulfilled” in the sense of justification when he was already declared righteous, as Paul clearly shows in Romans 4 & Galatians 3? But this is the common interpretation of the citing of this verse by James. However, there is no need to use the words “accounted to him for righteousness” as the fulfillment of the Scripture.

Rather, Genesis 15:4 says, “And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, ‘This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir.’”

The Lord told Abraham that his servant, Eliezer of Damascus, would not be his heir. Rather, it would be a child who issued directly from Abraham’s body. And yet, in sacrificing Isaac on the altar, how could he be the promised heir? But Abraham followed through, in faith, with the sacrifice. He was only stopped by the call of God, and thus the Scripture – concerning a son from his own body being the heir – was fulfilled. Whether Isaac was actually sacrificed, which proved to be not necessary, or whether the Lord stopped the sacrifice at the last minute, Abraham was certain that Isaac would be the heir. How can this be? It is explained by the author of Hebrews –

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac, and he who had received the promises offered up his only begotten son, ¹⁸ of whom it was said, ‘In Isaac your seed shall be called,’ ¹⁹ concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.” Hebrews 11:17-19

Despite Abraham’s attempt to follow through with the act, Abraham understood that Issac was, and would remain, the son of promise. Thus, “the Scripture was fulfilled” is not speaking of the words, “and it was accounted to him for righteousness,” but of the words, “Abraham believed God.” This declaration of righteousness is what the belief signified. Abraham believed God in Genesis 15, and his faith in what he was told then did not waiver in Genesis 22. The entire account comes back to one word – FAITH. And because of Abraham’s faith, James finishes the thought with, “And he was called the friend of God.”

What is it that pleases God? It is faith. Abraham had faith and he demonstrated his faith in action. However, there may be those who are not able to demonstrate faith in action due to some limitation. This does not negate their faith. God looks on the heart and motives behind any action. Some actions are accomplished, but not in faith. Some have faith, but there are no actions to support it. Either way, faith is what is being referred to in regards to justification. Concerning the notion of Abraham being called the friend of God, two notable verses confirm this –

“Are You not our God, who drove out the inhabitants of this land before Your people Israel, and gave it to the descendants of Abraham Your friend forever?” 2 Chronicles 20:7

“But you, Israel, are My servant,
Jacob whom I have chosen,
The descendants of Abraham My friend.” Isaiah 41:8

Life application: It is important to remember that Abraham’s declaration of righteousness was seven chapters and many long years before the account of the sacrifice of Isaac in Genesis 22. Therefore, the crediting of righteousness can have nothing to do with what Abraham did at Mount Moriah. Abraham simply looked up at the stars, believed God’s promise, and it was credited as righteousness to him.

Was the deed then something that “naturally stems” from saving faith? Was it something that “added to” his righteousness? Or was it a deed of faith because Abraham was a man of faith – already declared righteous because of his faith? Clearly, it was the last: a deed of faith.

You should know and understand that if you are a believer in Jesus Christ, and yet you are facing a trial or hardship, God has ordained it for you according to His great wisdom and for your benefit. Be at peace that, whatever you are facing, He is there with you. This is certain because of what Jesus did on your behalf.

Lord God, we often face difficulties and trials that we wish we didn’t have to face, but we know Your promises to us stand, and that all things are working together for our good because of Your love for us in Christ Jesus. Give us the strength to face every test and every trial just as you did for Abraham, our great father of faith. Amen.

Friday, 19 July 2019

Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? James 2:22

James just cited the account of Abraham offering up Isaac on the altar to support his notion that “faith without works is dead.” With that in mind, he then says, “Do you see.” Translations are divided on this. Some make it a question, “Do you see…?” Others make it a statement of fact, “You see…” Either way, the thought comes out the same in the end, which is, “that faith was working together with his works…”

In the Greek, James makes a play on words by saying that Abraham, “was working the works of him.” So, Abraham has works that he is working out together with his faith. The word is sunergeó, and it is key to understanding what is being relayed. It means “to cooperate” or “to work together.” It is where our modern word synergy is derived from. Of this, Albert Barnes says –

“The apostle does not say that, in regard to the merit which justifies, they came in for an equal share, for he makes no affirmation on that point; he does not deny that in the sight of God, who foresees and knows all things, he was regarded as a justified man the moment he believed, but he looks at the result as it was, at Abraham as he appeared under the trial of his faith, and says that in that result there was to be seen the co-operation of faith and good works. Both contributed to the end, as they do now in all cases where there is true religion.”

How can it be that Abraham “was regarded as a justified man the moment he believed,” and yet it also be true that a cooperation of faith and good works contributed to the end, if by “end” he means justification? Either one is justified and declared righteous, or he is not. The only thing that can be affected by his faith are the works (whatever works) that he does.

The works are not separated from his faith, but they are combined with it. James then confirms this by saying that “by works faith was made perfect.” It is not the justification that was made perfect. Rather, that was something that occurred many years earlier. His later works had no bearing on that declaration – as Paul clearly shows in Romans 4:9-11. This is important to understand prior to arriving at verse 2:24. It is his faith that was made perfect.

Life application: Roman Catholicism claims that deeds of righteousness increase our standing before God and assist in our justification. Protestant theologians say they have no merit but only prove salvation. Paul, however, says we are justified by faith alone and that this occurred in Abraham’s case long before the time of Isaac. Therefore, the justification is by faith alone.

Was Abraham’s deed of sacrifice meritorious in and of itself? Or was the action pointing to something else that hasn’t yet been analyzed? If you studied the passage from Hebrews 11 which deals with Abraham, then you may have an inkling of what was really involved in Abraham’s deed. Understanding what Hebrews 11 says is the key and it will resolve the matter.

No matter what the resolution is, what is important for now is that Abraham did what he was called to do. You also have a divine calling on your life – one to be holy, to honor the Lord, and to care for others in selfless ways. This calling, along with telling others about Jesus’ wonderful salvation, is something you should be pursuing all the time. Have faith that the Lord will be with you as you do!

O God, how precious is the study of Your word! It is so wonderful to look into matters presented there and to know that you have provided all we need to know to live in a holy and Christ-honoring manner. In all ways, may our lives reflect Your plan and purpose…to the praise of Your glorious grace. Amen.

Thursday, 18 July 2019

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? James 2:21

James now introduces the first of the two examples which he inferred were coming by the question which comprised the previous verse. He asked, “But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?” To affirm that it is the case, he begins his examples with, “Was not Abraham our father justified by works.” Albert Barnes states the following concerning this –

“Justified by works – That is, in the sense in which James is maintaining that a man professing religion is to be justified by his works. He does not affirm that the ground of acceptance with God is that we keep the law, or are perfect; or that our good works make an atonement for our sins, and that it is on their account that we are pardoned; nor does he deny that it is necessary that a man should believe in order to be saved. In this sense he does not deny that men are justified by faith; and thus he does not contradict the doctrine of the apostle Paul. But he does teach that where there are no good works, or where there is not a holy life, there is no true religion; that that faith which is not productive of good works is of no value; that if a man has that faith only, it would be impossible that he could be regarded as justified, or could be saved and that consequently, in that large sense, a man is justified by his works that is, they are the evidence that he is a justified man, or is regarded and treated as righteous by his Maker. The point on which the apostle has his eye is the nature of saving faith; and his design is to show that a mere faith which would produce no more effect than that of the demons did, could not save.”

Barnes, as well as others, states that “faith which is not productive of good works is of no value.” This is true, however, he fails to state what “works” are acceptable to justify a man. As noted in the previous commentary, this will naturally cause a person to say, “I need to do works to prove my faith.” From there, he goes and does and does and does, but his doing never satisfies because nobody told him what “works” are considered acceptable.

Barnes then continues with, “that if a man has that faith only, it would be impossible that he could be regarded as justified.” That, unfortunately, entirely negates what Paul says concerning justification. Paul says that a man is justified apart from works of the law. He says that a person believes, and when he believes he is sealed with the Holy Spirit.

Consider the man who believes, is saved, and then dies – such as the man on the cross next to Christ. What works did he do? What about the person who is a quadriplegic and cannot do whatever supposed “works” someone thinks up as being necessary to be justified?

However, this was not the case with Abraham. God declared Abraham righteous in Genesis 15:6. The offering of Isaac was seven chapters and many years later. And yet, James questions, was not Abraham “justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?” It begs a positive response. Is this the same work that is necessary for us? Obviously not. James will continue with his analysis of what Abraham did for the next few verses. He will then move on to the prostitute Rahab. What is it about what they did that makes their works acceptable?

Life application: James remembers the great test of faith of the Hebrew people – that of Father Abraham offering up his son Isaac on Mount Moriah. However, Paul also speaks of the righteousness of Abraham and how it was obtained by him.

Hebrews 11 speaks of this same account of the offering up of Isaac as well. Because of this, it must be incredibly important and a matter that needs to be considered carefully. Take time to read Genesis 22, Romans 4, and Galatians 3. If you can understand these areas of the Bible, and also the account as mentioned in Hebrews 11:17-19, then you can more fully understand what is being spoken of by James concerning faith versus deeds. Together, these passages will take you about 15 minutes to finish but they contain a lifetime of wealth for us to remember.

In the end, the account of Abraham, Isaac foreshadows the Person and work of Jesus. He, the only begotten Son of the Father, climbed this same hill, with his own wood (the cross) on His back; and His Father allowed the sacrifice to continue. Because of what Jesus did, we are now reconciled to God the Father.

It is faith in this action and faith alone which justifies us in the sight of God. Don’t be distressed at any foe that comes against you – Jesus is on your side and God the Father has approved of you because of faith in what His Son did. Be at peace!

Thank You Heavenly Father for the Gift of Your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Thank You that He bore our sin and wrath on the cross so that we are now reconciled to You through His precious blood. We know that we can add nothing to this great work, but we simply need to accept it by faith alone. Praises, honor, and majesty belong to You alone! Amen.