DATE POSTED: Monday, October 12, 2026, and I was blessed to be at Mariposa Apartment Homes, San Marcos, TX when God inspired me to prepare this devotional. Please visit NuggetsFromGodsWord.org to find and read all episodes shared over the years.
SCRIPTURE: Romans 8:3-4 ~ 3 The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins. 4 He did this so that the just requirement of the law would be fully satisfied for us, who no longer follow our sinful nature but instead follow the Spirit.
DEVOTIONAL: It is fascinating how Apostle Paul touched on a truth that still confuses many people today – a misunderstanding that often leads to a false sense of hope.
Many people still believe that keeping the Law, or relying on good deeds, is either the way we earn God’s approval or an impossible standard that leaves us hopelessly short of heaven. When asked about their assurance of salvation and eternal life with God, we may hear responses like:
- “Well, the doors of my church hardly ever open without me being there!”
- “Did you see our church’s mission giving last year? A large chunk of that came from me. I am a faithful giver.”
- “I take a lot of personal pride in keeping the church building and grounds clean and presentable.”
If we pause and search the Scriptures, can we find anywhere that says these commendable acts are enough to forgive our sins or earn our entry into heaven?
That is why God did what the Law could never do. He sent His Son, Jesus Christ, to take on human flesh and become the perfect sacrifice for our sins. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus accomplished what no amount of religious effort or personal goodness could ever accomplish.
Friend, God lovingly provided the only way for sinners to be forgiven and reconciled to Himself. Jesus declared, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me” (John 14:6). Eternal life is not earned through our performance. It is received through faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
When we place our faith in Him, the Holy Spirit comes to live within us. He changes our hearts, directs our steps, and produces in us a growing desire to obey God and serve others. Good works then become the evidence of our faith, not the basis of our salvation.
The Law is good because it exposes our sin. Good works is valuable because it demonstrates a transformed life. Yet neither can save us. Salvation belongs to Jesus Christ alone, the One who fulfilled the Law and paid the penalty for our sin.
TODAY’S CHALLENGE: Take a moment to consider where you place your confidence. If someone were to ask why you believe you will spend eternity with God, would your answer focus primarily on your good deeds, religious activity, or church involvement? Or would your answer point to Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross?
James reminds us, “I will show you my faith by my works” (James 2:18). Good works is not the root of salvation; it is the fruit of salvation. Thank God today for the gift of faith and ask Him to help your life visibly reflect the work He has already done in your heart.
PRAYER:Heavenly Father, thank You for loving us enough to provide the way of salvation through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Thank You that our eternal hope is not based on our ability to keep the Law or perform enough good works, but on the finished work of Christ on the cross. Help us never to place our confidence in religious activity or human effort, but in Jesus alone. May the faith You have given us produce lives that honor You and point others to the Savior. Strengthen us through Your Holy Spirit to walk in obedience and gratitude each day. In Jesus’ precious and holy name, I pray, Amen.
Next Steps & Resources
- Taking a Step of Faith? If today’s devotional prompted a decision in your heart, visit the To Know Jesus page, speak with a local Bible-teaching pastor, or reach out to me at NuggetsFromGodsWord@outlook.com. I pray you find help and encouragement as you begin or continue your walk with Christ.
- Explore & Subscribe: Browse past devotionals or sign up for daily email updates at NuggetsFromGodsWord.org.
- Find Community: I warmly encourage you to join a local Bible-teaching church. Gathering with fellow believers is essential for growing in faith, finding encouragement, and serving others as God works through His church.
