I Know I Can’t Earn the Savior!
Confronted by Grace

Scripture Reading: Galatians 2:11-16

Key Verse: Galatians 2:16b

…So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by observing the law, because by observing the law no one will be justified.

Being saved by grace, and not by our works, is so amazing we tend to run back to our works. It boggles our minds that we can be justified by our faith in the work that Jesus did on the cross. Our human pride will always pull us back to ourselves, wanting to prove we’re good enough. Once in a while we will all get caught up in the old system and must be reminded of God’s grace system!

The Apostle Peter, one of the leaders in the early New Testament church, had to be reminded himself. Our additional reading section today reminds us of his story. He came to a town called Antioch, where Paul and some Gentiles were being ministered to. Peter was joining Paul and these Gentiles for dinner each evening, but when Jews came from Jerusalem, Peter separated himself from the Gentiles. The Apostle Paul could see that Peter was fearful of what the Jews would think of him for eating with Gentiles. (This was strictly forbidden in the Jewish culture.) Paul confronted Peter face to face on this hypocrisy. Paul understood that if the leaders failed to live out “grace,” the church would soon run back to “works” as well!

Would the Apostle Paul need to confront you today? Is there anything you are doing that is trying to earn your salvation? Are you rejoicing and relying on the work of Christ or on your own efforts? Abundant life is found in Christ alone!

Father, search my heart and life, remind me when I am trusting in my own works rather than worshipping the one who did the work for me. In Jesus’ Name, amen.