Justified

What makes a man or a woman justified in the eyes if God?

Is it?

• Talking to a Christian friend about Jesus?
• Gathering with other believers regularly?
• Reading the Bible daily?
• Praying and listening to God’s voice and obeying quickly what He says?
• Asking forgiveness daily?
• Worshipping God daily in your home?
• Listening to Christian music?
• Being sincerely thankful for everything God has given you?
• Giving generously to God’s work and others in need?
• Sharing the good news with unbelievers?
• Filtering out ungodly content from your eyes? (Like Empire, Jersey Shores, Lucifer, and R rated movies)
• Protecting your ears from ungodly content? (Vulgar or coarse talk or false teachers)
• Saying “Praise God” or “Hallelujah” often?
• Refraining from gossip?
• Caring for people and praying for them?

Nope. Not a one of these activities justify me before God – not one. I aim to do everything on that list and fail miserably. I am not righteous and can’t be. I have a sin nature which wars against the Spirit.

Even if I did all the above list, my righteousness is as filthy rags before a holy God. Even I taught Sunday school and Christian school, but I did not have an intimate relationship with God. It wasn’t personal. I worshipped who I thought God was and on my terms. If there was a conflict between my will and a Bible verse, guess which one won.

It wasn’t God on the throne of my life. I did what I wanted and still was unhappy.

When I got off the throne and put Jesus there, things changed. I gave up some things. I did a holy purge. Am I better off? You betcha. When God looks at me He sees the righteousness of Christ. That is what justifies a person: Christ and Him alone.

If that was all I gained it would be enough. ut wait, there is more! I’ve gained:

• Peace
• Feeling God’s presence
• Godly guidance on tough issues
• Respect by neighbors
• Real friends
• Closer relationship with family
• Self acceptance
• The ability to forgive
• Fruit – we’re talking Galatians 5:19 fruit not mangoes
• Souls for the Kingdom

It’s a good deal. I’m glad I took it.