Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. Romans 4:4
Employment is something that most people seek to have. They want a job that pays well so that they have the money they need or want to be able to purchase the things that they need or want. Once a person works for a period of time, it is required that the employer pays the person for the work done. That pay is not something that is free but is something that is owed.
As Paul talks to the Romans about work, debt and grace, he tells them that when one works the pay received is not grace but a debt that was owed.
Working for a job to get a paycheck is normal and is required in this life. The money received is what is needed to purchase needed things in life. Without the money, one cannot live very well.
People tend to view salvation by Jesus is the same manner. They want to please God and earn their salvation, so they work in various ministries or at prayer and reading their bible. As they do these things, many feel that they are better, and that God loves them more.
The problem with working to earn salvation is that the salvation is no longer a gift of grace from God, it is earned wages, and no one can earn salvation. Sin separates one from God for eternity, unless removed, and only the blood of Jesus, by the grace of God can remove that sin.
Work done by the believer should be done out of love for God and what Jesus has already provided. If one does not work for God, then one does not have love for God and spits upon the salvation provided by His grace.
Jesus’ death upon the cross paid a debt that you could never pay. He paid for your sin out of His love and gave you life through His grace. This is something that you cannot earn.
Do not give up doing good and working for God, but do not work to earn God’s favor or pay back for your salvation. That salvation is a free gift of grace from God to you. Work out of your love for God for what He has given you. Obey God out of love, not to earn anything from Him.
Today I pray that you will know Jesus as your Lord and Savior; that you will know what God has given you out of His grace; that you will work for God out of your love for God; and that you will know God’s grace more and more.
****My new book, “31 Day For Strength,” is available on Amazon ****
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