Who Does the Saving?

Editor’s note: Bestselling author and pastor Max Lucado invites you to drench yourself in grace as you spend a few moments each day in God’s Word. Excerpts from Max’s works, on topics that are relevant to your life, help you connect daily with the Savior and experience the fullness of His grace in this devotional Bible — Grace for the Moment Daily Bible. Each of the 365 readings features a selection from Grace for the Moment™, and portions from the Old and New Testaments, Psalms, and Proverbs.

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A man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. — Romans 3:28

If we are saved by good works, we don’t need God — weekly reminders of the do’s and don’ts will get us to Heaven. If we are saved by suffering, we certainly don’t need God. All we need is a whip and a chain and the gospel of guilt. If we are saved by doctrine  then, for Heaven’s sake, let’s study! We don’t need God, we need a lexicon.

But be careful, student. For if you are saved by having exact doctrine, then one mistake would be fatal. That goes for those who believe we are made right with God through deeds. I hope the temptation is never greater than the strength. If it is, a bad fall could be a bad omen. And those who think we are saved by suffering, take caution as well, for  you never know how much suffering is required.

It took Paul decades to discover what he wrote in only one sentence: “A man is justified by faith.” Not through good works, suffering, or study.

~from And the Angels Were Silent

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Insufficient Funds

People cannot do any work that will make them right with God. — Romans 4:5 NCV

If Christ had not covered us with His grace, each of us would be overdrawn on [our Heavenly bank] account. When it comes to goodness we would have insufficient funds. Inadequate holiness. God requires a certain balance of virtue in our account, and it’s  more than any of us has alone.

• Our holiness account shows insufficient funds, and only the holy will see the Lord; what can we do?

We could try making a few deposits. Maybe if I wave at my neighbor or compliment my husband or go to church next Sunday, I’ll get caught up. But how do you know when you’ve made enough?... 

If you are trying to justify your own statement, forget ever having peace... You are trying to justify an account you can’t justify...

It is God who justifies. — Romans 8:33

~from The Great House of God

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The Strength of God’s Love

God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. — Romans 5:8

“Can anything make Me stop loving you?” God asks. “Watch Me speak your language, sleep on your earth, and feel your hurts. Behold the Maker of sight and sound as He sneezes, coughs, and blows His nose. You wonder if I understand how you feel? Look into the dancing eyes of the kid in Nazareth; that’s God walking to school. Ponder the toddler at Mary’s table; that’s God spilling His milk.

“You wonder how long My love will last? Find your answer on a splintered cross, on a craggy hill.

That’s Me you see up there, your Maker, your God, nail-stabbed and bleeding. Covered in spit and sin-soaked.

“That’s your sin I’m feeling. That’s your death I’m dying. That’s your resurrection I’m living. That’s how much I love you.”

~from In the Grip of Grace

Excerpted with permission from Grace for the Moment Bible, copyright Max Lucado.

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Your Turn

Our debt is unimaginable, and yet Jesus paid it! Nothing we do could ever earn us a place in Heaven. Nothing we have to offer could ever secure our place. But, Jesus does. Praise Him! ~ Devotionals Daily