“Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:4-5).

Marty and Paul were having a spirited discussion about how to get to Heaven. “I think you are arrogant by saying that you know you are on your way to Heaven. No one can know that for sure,” Paul said with a loud voice. Quietly Marty responded by saying, “It is not that I am so good, Paul. It’s the opposite. I am so bad, so sinful, that I could never get there on my own. It is that Christ is so good. By His death and resurrection He has paid for my sin.” Paul slammed his hand on the table and said, “I’ve been a good man all my life. I will get there by my own good works.” With that Paul stomped out of the room. Marty watched as his friend left. Such mixed emotion swept through him. On one hand the sheer sense of dread and sorrow for his friend was overwhelming. On the other hand, he had such joy because of knowing Christ and the truth about understanding the Lord’s justification. How about you? Do you know the Lord as your Savior?

For today: I am so thankful that the Lord has paid for my salvation. How about you?