Deeper Life Daily Manna 7 March 2018 Devotional – Pastor W.F. Kumuyi
Topic: Reckoned Righteous – DCLM Daily Manna 7 March 2018
Text: Romans 4:1-15
Key Verse: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3).
Message: The point of justification by faith is made in John Wesley’s life-changing experience in Aldersgate Street in May 1738. He acknowledged that he had become a true believer by justification by faith since the previous March and yet he knew he lacked something and was hungry for it. (DCLM Daily Manna 7 March 2018). But at that meeting he said, “I felt my heart strangely warmed…” He had believed before, but now he had an assurance; he was given this direct, immediate, overwhelming experience and testimony by the Spirit, and his ministry was transformed. He said that before this experience, he had had the faith of a servant, but now it was that of a son.
Deeper Life Daily Manna 7 March 2018 Devotional – Reckoned Righteous
Justification is a legal standing with God, based upon Christ’s death and resurrection, and our faith in Him. It is not by the deeds of the law but by grace through faith. It means to look at someone guilty and declare that he is now innocent, righteous and free. The record of offence has been wiped away. DCLM Daily Manna 7 March 2018
Some religious dogmas fail to recognise the difference between working for salvation and working from salvation. We do not work in order to receive salvation; rather, we work because we have already received it. God works salvation in us by justification and we work it out in sanctification (Philippians 2:12,13). But neither justification nor sanctification can be merited by works; they are given by grace. Therefore, someone who is truly saved will manifest good works. If there are no good works present, then there is no reason to believe that true saving faith is present. “Faith without works is dead” (James 2:26).
