Daily Devotional
January 17
1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; - Romans 5:1-3 (KJV)
Paul had just been teaching about the faith of Abraham and how he was justified by his obedience through faith. This same justification by faith, was not just for Abraham, but was written for us also (Romans 4:23-24). Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ we now have peace with God, and no longer have to do the works of the law, but can rest in His peace. The Gospel is the Gospel of Peace (Luke 2:14, Romans 10:15, Ephesians 6:15).
The Greek word that was translated “access” in this verse, means “admission”, so we have admission by faith into God’s grace. Many try to teach only faith or grace, but you must have both, as you have to have faith in the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8), to receive the benefits. Paul is apparently speaking of the Second Coming of Jesus, when he refers to the “hope of the glory of God”, as he uses the same terms in other scriptures (Titus 2:13).
Many try to use these scriptures to teach that our tribulations come from God, so that our patience will be made perfect. That is just not true, as God does not put trials and tribulations upon us (James 1:13), but the devil does, and our patience is made stronger by our trials. Patience is just having and staying in faith over a period of time. By having patience through your trials, you become stronger in your faith, and that strength will enable you to keep your faith even stronger during your next trial. All those who live godly will suffer persecution. You have patience (longsuffering), if you are born again, as it is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Now, since you already have it, use it and it will become stronger and enable your faith to work better – Praise God!
Devotional by Pastor Joe W. Green, www.Infinite-Faith.com
**Daily Devotional**
**January 17**
*1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: 2 By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only so, but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; - Romans 5:1-3 (KJV)*
Paul had just been teaching about the faith of Abraham and how he was justified by his obedience through faith. This same justification by faith, was not just for Abraham, but was written for us also (Romans 4:23-24). Through the Gospel of Jesus Christ we now have peace with God, and no longer have to do the works of the law, but can rest in His peace. The Gospel is the Gospel of Peace (Luke 2:14, Romans 10:15, Ephesians 6:15).
The Greek word that was translated “access” in this verse, means “admission”, so we have admission by faith into God’s grace. Many try to teach only faith or grace, but you must have both, as you have to have faith in the grace of God (Ephesians 2:8), to receive the benefits. Paul is apparently speaking of the Second Coming of Jesus, when he refers to the “hope of the glory of God”, as he uses the same terms in other scriptures (Titus 2:13).
Many try to use these scriptures to teach that our tribulations come from God, so that our patience will be made perfect. That is just not true, as God does not put trials and tribulations upon us (James 1:13), but the devil does, and our patience is made stronger by our trials. Patience is just having and staying in faith over a period of time. By having patience through your trials, you become stronger in your faith, and that strength will enable you to keep your faith even stronger during your next trial. All those who live godly will suffer persecution. You have patience (longsuffering), if you are born again, as it is a fruit of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23). Now, since you already have it, use it and it will become stronger and enable your faith to work better – Praise God!
Devotional by Pastor Joe W. Green, www.Infinite-Faith.com
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