Now we see how God does make us acceptable to him. The Law and the Prophets tell how we become acceptable, and it isn't by obeying the Law of Moses. God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. All of us have sinned and fallen short of God's glory. But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life's blood, so by faith in him we could come to God. And God did this to show that in the past he was right to be patient and forgive sinners. This also shows that God is right when he accepts people who have faith in Jesus.
What is left for us to brag about? Not a thing! Is it because we obeyed some law? No! It is because of faith.
Romans 3:21-27
What is the difference between believing in Jesus and having faith in Him? The Bible says that even demons believe and tremble, but they certainly don't have "Faith!"
The first step of Faith is, of course belief, but unless you take the other steps of Faith you are no better off than the demons.
The second step of Faith is Trust. When you have Faith in Jesus you can rest peacefully in what He says. You don't spend your life trying to "verify" everything you read about in the Bible and you are not amazed when someone tells you that an archaeological "find" confirms the truth of Scripture.
The final step of Faith is total dependence. So the man or woman of Faith believes in Jesus, trusts His every Word and comes to depend on Him for everything in this life as well as the next! That is the point where "the Peace of God rules your mind and heart." And that Peace shines on your face. If you are a follower of Jesus Christ, the next time you are in a public place with lots of people you have never seen before, look at their faces. Look for the Peace of God shining on the face of a stranger. If you want to know for sure, you will have to ask, but total dependence on Jesus Christ is hard to hide from your face!
"Lord Jesus, help me to step beyond the belief that even demons have to the state of total dependence on You for everything. And Lord help me to let that Peace that comes from You shine on my face today. Praise Your Holy Name. Amen."
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