Devotional Blog Monday, August 1

Daily Devotional for Monday, August 1

Faith of Pilgrims

There are only two faith systems in the world. There is the system of merit-based salvation, in which some list of good works and acts must be done to merit entrance into a happy afterlife. This encompasses most of the faith systems of the world; sadly, it even includes many that call themselves Christian. It seems that too many like to be in control of the requirements which get them into Heaven. The other faith system is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, based on the belief that by Jesus’ merit, and that alone, you are saved and can enter Heaven. It is sad that this correct belief is a huge minority of those who profess to believe in God. 

Even among those who believe correctly about how they may be saved today, there is confusion regarding how people were saved in other times. Many believe that grace is for today, but works (in the form of the Law) were for prior days. This is so wrong. Grace through faith has always been the way. 

You can see this in the key verse today. Sara and the others mentioned never saw the Messiah; yet it was by faith in Him that they were saved—just as we are today! Just like you, they never worked their way to Heaven. This is simple, we believe in the historical fact of the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus Christ. These saints believed in the promise of He who was coming but had not yet come. Truly, some things never change.

JUST A THOUGHT: Those who believe their works are getting them into Heaven are, in fact, working very hard to get into hell.

Wally Fry