Justified!

"Because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight: for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.  But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;"
~Romans 3:20-24

While reading this passage during my time with God the other day I was freshly struck by the fact that my righteousness and justification are a gift from God.  Doing works of the Law does nothing to make me justified in His sight: the only thing that the Law is there for is to show me that I sin.  However, in God's eyes, even though I don't measure up to the Law, I am righteous and perfect.  Why?  Because of my faith in Jesus.  That faith means that Jesus lives in me, and it is His perfect life that God the Father sees in me.  I don't have to strive to be perfect . . . just surrender myself--living in faith that Jesus will work His righteousness in and through me.  What a load He has taken off my shoulders!  What a blessing!  How sweet this gift of justification is!

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