Soap - By His Righteousness

S: 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;

Romans 3:21-22

O: Earlier in this chapter, Paul talks about the Law and how it ultimately shows us how we are sinful-leading to no justification through the works of the Law (as no one can/could uphold it perfectly, other than Christ). God is righteous in judging the sins of man-in 'the Law and Prophets,' God reveals his righteousness, as such. Also, through His mercy and grace-God's righteousness is yet again revealed upon those who have faith in Christ. From what I can see, it is all about God and how wonderfully righteous He is-if men could "achieve" salvation through works, they could boast about how they had earned their way into heaven. As that is clearly impossible, the only alternative is to be saved by grace, through faith, in Christ, alone. And in that alternative, it is myself and others, having no other hope in anything-complete utter despair, without the righteousness of God. For we cannot help ourselves-it is entirely and solely by God for faith in Christ to have even existed.

A: I must know and remind myself each day that it is not by my works nor my hands that I am saved. In my total depravity I had no hope of salvation through others or myself-the Law itself condemned me and if it were not for His righteousness, I would not be saved. It is by His works (Christ), and His hands that I have faith in Christ. He chose me (PRAISE GOD!) and that is all.

P: Lord, as Your righteousness, mercy, grace, lovingkindness, strength, wisdom and all the other infinitely awesome things remind me of who You are and what You've done, I realize that "who You are" and "what You've done" is so beyond my comprehension. I cannot contemplate enough upon how Christ's sacrifice screams glory to Your name as well as being my one and only hope of being saved. Please, remind me daily of this and especially in times when my focus is blurred. I pray that I would fall more deeply in love with You as each day should be filled with another fresh, new realization about the sacrifice You made and how it perfectly illustrates Your righteouness. Thank you so much, for Who You are-that's all I can say! In Christ, amen.

Soli Deo Gloria