Many Christians lack joy because they are unsure of their relationship with Christ. In the days of Jesus Christ, the Jews believed that security before God depended on the fulfillment of the law, as measurable evidence of their devotion. But Christ presented a new theology based on love and unconditional acceptance from God.

The Jewish leaders, bound to the law, rejected salvation as a gift of grace. In Christ we have personal access to the Father, free from the weight of the law, and grace alone securing our standing before God. There is nothing we can do to earn salvation. We are saved by grace and nothing else.

The next time you are tempted to doubt your salvation, think of the Cross where grace paid the eternal price for all our sins. We are saved and secure by the power of His grace, nothing more and nothing less.

The truth is clear and comforting: The goodness of God is not received by our efforts, nor can it be earned or merited in any way, but is a gift bestowed by Him. The Bible reminds us again and again that grace is the unmerited favor of the Lord toward us:

Romans 11:6

Ephesians 2:8-9

Hebrews 4:16

Today ask the Lord to give you a greater understanding of His amazing grace.

Suggested Prayer: Dear Heavenly Father, I thank You that Your grace is all I need. Help me to rest with confidence in Your unmerited favor instead of leaning on my own efforts. In the name of Jesus I pray, Amen.

1.      2 Corinthians 12:9 (NLT).

The Encounter for today was written by: Rosina N.