Daily Devotion

Dear Berean TEAM and Friends –

Romans 5:1 says, “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:”

When you trusted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, then you have been "justified." It means that you have been counted righteous; to be reckoned, considered, or to be looked upon as righteous (Rom 6:11). You are not made righteous – you are treated like you were righteous! We are all sinners (Rom 3:23) – we have broken God’s laws (1 Jn 3:4), and we have missed the mark of moral purity (Ecc 7:20)! As Christians, we are still sinners (1 Jn 1:8)! God is very much aware of our sins. Justification is God's declaration that those who trusted Jesus are perfectly righteous before Him (Rom 3:24). Prior to salvation, God declares that I am a condemned sinner (Jn 3:18). After I received Jesus as my Savior by faith (Rom 10:9), God declares that I am righteous because of what Christ did for me on the cross of Calvary (2 Cor 5:21). Imagine a man on trial for murder; even though nearly everyone in that courtroom knows he is guilty, but if the jury finds him not guilty, then he is treated like an innocent person; because he has been declared innocent. When I stand before the Lord (Rom 14:12), I know I’m guilty, the devil knows I’m guilty and God knows I’m guilty. However, because Jesus is my Righteous Savior and Advocate (1 Jn 2:1), God treats me as though I am innocent because I have been justified (1 Cor 6:11)! Folks, justification is solely by faith in Jesus! We don’t deserve it and we cannot earn it (Eph 2:8-9)! You simply need to trust God’s Word concerning the Person and work of the Lord Jesus (Titus 3:5)! I’m glad that salvation is by faith alone (Gal 2:16)! If it relied on my good works, I would be lost (Rom 4:5). If it required me to keep the ten commandments perfectly, I would be lost (Jms 2:10). I thank God, it’s all by faith because of His grace! God bless you!

-Pastor Melito Barrera?