Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin. Romans 4:7-8 WEB
With these two statements, Paul quotes King David’s Psalm 32:1-2. Using these Old Testament words, Paul demonstrates that God’s willingness to forgive the repentant is nothing new. David confessed his sins to the Lord and God forgave him. Paul’s focus here is on faith and a personal relationship with God.
Many of the religious leaders of the time concentrated on legalism and good works. Paul properly focuses on faith and forgiveness in pursuit of righteousness. The first book of the bible shows the importance of faith in pleasing God. Speaking of Abraham, Genesis 15:6 says, “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness. KJV”
We read in Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him. NIV” Good works are important but primarily faith is what pleases God.
Saved By The Grace of God
With his second statement quoting King David, Paul shows that forgiveness comes from God. When we repent, we are saved by the grace of God. No amount of good works can save us. It is a free gift from the Lord.
Saved by grace through faith in Christ, our works do hold importance though they cannot save us. As we read in James 2:20, “But do you want to know, vain man, that faith apart from works is dead? WEB” Again in James 2:26 we read, “For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, even so faith apart from works is dead. WEB”
Relying on works without faith leads to self-righteousness. This is the trouble with legalism. We must obey God’s law, but everyone falls short. Salvation requires faith, repentance, forgiveness, and God’s grace.
Blessed are they who receive the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. As we read in Philippians 3:9, “and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own, that which is of the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, blessed are they who receive your grace. Thank you for your forgiveness. Increase my faith with your holy word. Give me strength and wisdom to live a life that is pleasing to you. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: That Which Is to Come
