Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 Reformation Based on the Values of the Kingdom of God. 
Bible portion:  Romans 4: 1-8

Verse 5: “But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness”.

Devotion
Throughout this passage, Paul is using the example of Abraham to illustrate the foundations behind the Christian faith. God’s goodness does not merely come from our works or achievements but rather through a relationship built upon well-fortified faith. Abraham trusted God’s promise in the midst of what seemed impossible or in the most difficult circumstances. In verse 3, it states, “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). This verse explores Abraham’s righteousness, which was due to his faith in God, not his own deeds and obedience to the law. This sets a precedent for believers that God’s righteousness is a gift, received through faith. As Paul describes in verses 4 and 5, if we were justified by only our works, God’s righteousness would be an obligation and not a gift. However, when we trust in God, who justifies the ungodly, our faith is attributed to righteousness. Paul’s testimony truly underlines the beauty of God’s grace, as it is not something we can just receive but rather something freely given to those who believe. This is a progressive exodus from the idea that we have to earn our way into God’s favor, a continuous reminder that our righteousness before God is something we cannot achieve on our own. Grace is not a reward for our efforts, but rather it’s a gift that we receive simply from believing in God’s promises and trusting in his goodness. This is a sincere and humbling truth that allows us to let go of our own efforts to prove ourselves worthy and rest in the assurance of God’s favor. 
David’s words in Romans 4: verse 6-8: “Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin." This blessed period is a result of divine grace and not by human effort. The pardon of sins and covering of transgressions are through God’s mercy that we receive through faith. This guarantee of forgiveness allows us to live in freedom, knowing that our sins are no longer held against us and that we are accepted and loved by God not because of what we have done but because of who he is. Reflecting on all of this, we are encouraged to deepen our faith in God, accepting His grace and rejoicing in His forgiveness. Our faith, like Abraham's, can bear witness to the righteousness that comes not from our own efforts but from God's compassionate gift. Let us live each day with the assurance that comes from knowing we are justified by faith, not by works, and that God's grace is always enough for us.
 
PRAYER
 
Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of faith and the righteousness that comes through believing in You. Help me to trust in Your promises and rest in Your grace. Thank You for the forgiveness of my sins and the assurance that my transgressions are covered. May I live each day in the joy and freedom of Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
 
Thought for the Day 
 
The Reformation highlights that true righteousness is achieved through faith in God's grace, not by our own deeds.
 
Philip Chacko
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church

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