Earning Grace...

Scripture:
Romans 3:20-26 (NASB)

…because by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes the knowledge of sin.   

But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Devotional:

As a child there is nothing you can do to earn the love and care of a parent.  No deed is ever enough to receive the unconditional love of a parent.  At the same time though our actions can separate us from our parents.  We can create a rift that at times we do not know how to overcome.  Sometimes we feel we can never make amends.

There is nothing that we can ever do to earn grace, or God’s love.  His love is unconditional and everlasting.  We can never bridge the gap between us and God.  However, there is hope and a way.  Through grace we are made righteous, clean, pure, and holy.  It is impossible for us to make amends, but God made a way.  He loves us so much that He sent a part of Himself to live on earth as one of us.  He lived with no sin, not bound by the law.  He became the perfect sacrifice so that we can be with Him in all eternity.  We will never be good enough for heaven.  We can be cleansed and purified so that we can be with Him for all eternity…