Seeking Justification is Alienation

Scripture: You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace. For through the Spirit we eagerly await by faith the righteousness for which we hope. Galatians 5:4-5

Observation: As Paul continues to discuss the difference between the law and faith, he makes this strong statement ... attempts to be justified by the law actually alienate one from Christ. When one attempts to obtain justification through legal compliance, you forfeit the free gift of grace, which is received through faith, and is the source of hope.

Application: I know I cannot succeed through compliance with the law. Every day, I violate the law. When I sit here declaring that all I want to do is be better in the eyes of the Lord, I simultaneously know that I sit in sin and can never earn the mantle of "better" ... or I may be better but never "good enough".

I have sinned. I will sin. My only hope is grace through faith, and therefore I must reject any attempt for justification by the law. Instead, I must acknowledge my sin, weakness, and failure, and surrender it all to one concept, which is faith in Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Lord, today again I declare that Jesus Christ is my Lord. I believe he is Messiah, the son of you, Lord, God the father, the one God, maker of heaven and earth. Please forgive me of my sins of lying, deception, anger, pride, arrogance. I ask for the opportunity to be better by humbly serving others, know that being better and obedient is simply one way I can exhibit my love of you and faith in Jesus. It is not to earn salvation, but rather to express my gratitude for having already received salvation by grace through faith. Jesus Christ is my Lord. Hallelujah, and Amen.