Righteousness and Faith in God
Today’s Bible Verse:
Romans 1:17ESV
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”
Romans 1:17 reveals a profound truth that echoes throughout the Lutheran faith: “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith.’” These words offer a beacon of hope and a roadmap for a life lived in a relationship with God.
Central to this verse is the concept of God's righteousness. It's not about a harsh, judgmental righteousness, but rather a righteousness that justifies and restores us. It is God's loving act of making us right with Him, not because of our works, but because of His grace, received through faith. Lutherans understand this righteousness as a gift freely given, not something we earn or deserve.
The phrase "from faith for faith" emphasizes the ongoing nature of faith. It's not a one-time event, but a continuous journey of trust and reliance on God. We begin in faith, and as we grow in our relationship with God, our faith is strengthened and deepened. This is a lifelong process of learning, growing, and deepening our trust in God's promises.
This powerful declaration underscores the transformative power of faith. Faith is not just about believing certain things about God but about living in a way that reflects that belief. A life lived by faith is a life marked by trust, obedience, and surrender to God's will. It's a life that finds joy, peace, and purpose in God alone.
PRAYERS
Keep in Your Prayers:
All people dealing with cancer
Those who reject Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.
A Prayer for Today:
God in heaven, thank You for revealing Your righteousness through faith. Help me to grow in my faith journey, trusting in Your grace and living each day in obedience to Your will. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.
Luther’s Morning Prayer:
I thank You, my heavenly Father, through Jesus Christ, Your dear Son, that You have kept me this night from all harm and danger; and I pray that You would keep me this day also from sin and every evil, that all my doings and life may please You. For into Your hands, I commend myself, my body and soul, and all things. Let Your holy angel be with me, that the evil foe may have no power over me. Amen.
Apostles’ Creed:
I believe in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth.
And in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, died and was buried. He descended into hell. The third day He rose again from the dead. He ascended into heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. From thence He will come to judge the living and the dead.
I believe in the Holy Spirit, the holy Christian Church, the communion of saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer:
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.