DATE POSTED
Wednesday, September 2, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. My Footnote will tell you how to find and read any and all episodes that I have shared over the years.

TODAY’S SCRIPTURE
I would love for you to read today’s Scripture in your own personal Bible!

Romans 4:4-8 (NLT): ⁴ When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. ⁵ But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. ⁶ David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: ⁷ “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. ⁸ Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”

APPLICATION – as inspired by the Holy Spirit
I hope you’ve taken a moment to read the verses referenced above, as they’ll help you better grasp the context of this devotional.

One of the things I appreciate most about Paul’s teaching is his clarity. He has already spent much of Romans explaining the grace of God and the free gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. Yet in these verses, Paul pauses to address a common misunderstanding—one that still persists today—the confusion between grace and works.

Many of us have encountered well-meaning people who believe that doing enough good on earth guarantees entry into Heaven. Yet this mindset is the very epitome of works—it assumes an individual can perform enough good deeds to obligate God to open His doors.

Paul begins with something everyone understands: wages. When a person works, their wages are not a gift; they are earned. No employer praises an employee for receiving a paycheck. It is simply the result of labor performed. Paul uses this everyday reality to show that righteousness cannot be earned the same way. God does not declare us righteous because of our efforts, our charity, or our moral achievements. Righteousness comes only through faith in the God who forgives sinners.

To reinforce this truth, Paul reaches back to the words of David. In Psalm 32, David describes the joy of the one whose sins are forgiven and whose record is cleared—not because of works, but because of God’s mercy. Paul knew his Jewish readers respected David deeply, so he used David’s own testimony to highlight the beauty of grace.

And while we may wonder how the Jews responded to Paul’s teaching, we must remember that the Holy Spirit inspired this letter not only for them, but for us. God’s Word is timeless. It speaks with the same authority today as it did in the first century. The path to salvation has not changed. There is still only one way to the Father. – through faith in Jesus Christ, by the grace of God.

Many people today still believe that their good deeds, generosity, kindness, or faithful church attendance should earn them favor with God. But Scripture leaves no room for that hope. Acts 16:31 states plainly, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved.” Salvation is not the reward of human effort; it is the gift of divine grace.

Good works have their place, but only after salvation. When our works flow from the love of Christ within us, He receives the glory. When they flow from a desire to earn Heaven, we receive the praise – and that praise is empty. Only faith in Christ opens the door to eternal life.

TODAY’S CHALLENGE

Believe in the Lord Jesus. Trust Him as Savior and Lord. Surrender your life to His authority. Acknowledge His death and resurrection as the only means of forgiveness. Then let your works be fueled by His love, not by your desire to earn Heaven. Consider who receives glory for the good you do. May it always be God, and may it always be for His glory.

PRAYER
Heavenly Father, thank You for the grace that declares sinners righteous through faith in Jesus Christ. Guard my heart from trusting in my own efforts, and teach me to rest fully in Your mercy. Let every good work in my life flow from Your Spirit within me, so that Christ alone is honored. Strengthen my faith today, and help me walk in humble obedience to Your Word. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

FOOTNOTE
If you have been challenged to make a decision today after reading this devotional, please take advantage of the information provided on my page ‘To Know Jesus’. Alternatively, consider speaking with a local Bible Teaching Pastor, or contact me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray that one of God’s servants will pray with you and offer help and encouragement as you begin, or continue, your walk with Jesus. If you would like to read more of my devotionals, please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org, or if you choose, subscribe to receive a daily email containing each new devotional, as you will also find that option on this page. Friends, I encourage you to find a Bible teaching church home near your residence and attend as frequently as possible. Get to know God and allow His people to encourage and strengthen you in your Christian walk while you invite God to work through you to bless them. God is at work among His people! Please consider being a part of that while also growing in your faith as you worship with fellow believers!