by Jamie Pantastico | May 28, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In Romans 3:21–26, the apostle Paul unveils a powerful truth that lies at the core of our faith: salvation through faith alone in the finished work of the cross. It is in this passage that the incredible magnitude of God’s redemptive plan unfolds.
We learn that regardless of our past failures and sins, God has provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him. Through the sacrifice and shed blood of His Son, Jesus Christ, on the cross, a path to righteousness and salvation is made available to all who believe. Our justification is not achieved through our own works or merit but by faith in what Christ has accomplished.
The blood shed by Jesus on Calvary’s hill has the power to cleanse us from sin and bring us into a right relationship with God. It is through His sacrifice that God’s justice is satisfied, and His love and mercy are poured out abundantly upon us.
Let us remember that our salvation is a gift, freely given by God’s grace. As we embrace this truth, our hearts are filled with gratitude, and our life is transformed, we are new creation. May we walk in the assurance that we are justified through faith in the finished work of the cross, trusting in God’s unfailing love and mercy.
Key Scripture:
‘being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, ‘
Romans 3:24-25
Bible Reading
Here are three Bible verses that affirm the truth of salvation by faith alone in the finished work of the cross:
Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV):
“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”
Romans 3:28 (NKJV):
“Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.”
Galatians 2:16 (NKJV):
“knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
These verses make it clear that our salvation is not attained through our own efforts or good deeds, but rather through faith in Jesus Christ and the grace of God. It is through His finished work on the cross that we are justified and receive the gift of salvation.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 25, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In a chaotic, unloving world covered with darkness and deception, there is a desperate need for the Truth. It is the very essence of Christ’s sacrificial love—His crucifixion, shed blood, burial, and glorious resurrection. This is the gospel, the epitome of God’s extraordinary love for mankind.
Let us not shy away from sharing this heart-transforming message. The world around us thirsts for the hope, redemption, and eternal life found in this Truth. Amidst the darkness of this world ruled by Satan, we are called to be beacons of light, heralding the gospel with boldness and compassion.
As we boldly proclaim the Truth, hearts will be transformed, lives will be restored, and the world will witness the power of God’s love in action. Share the truth, for it has the power to break chains, heal wounds, and bring eternal salvation to those in need.
This is the gospel (Truth):
‘Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand; by which also ye are saved, if ye keep in memory what I preached unto you, unless ye have believed in vain. For I delivered unto you first of all that which I also received, how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures: ‘
1 Corinthians 15:1-4
All mankind will be judged by this Truth (the gospel):
At the Great White Throne judgment, all the lost will be judged according to the gospel revealed to the apostle Paul (1 Corinthians 15:1-4).
‘in the day when God shall judge the secrets of men by Jesus Christ according to my gospel. ‘
Romans 2:16
by Jamie Pantastico | May 22, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
“Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:31-32
In the light of God’s incredible love and mercy towards us, demonstrated through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus Christ, we are called to a higher standard of living. Let go of ALL (not just what suits you) bitterness, anger, and judgment. Instead, embrace kindness, compassion, and forgiveness. Just as Christ forgave us completely, let us extend that same grace to others. We are to live a life marked by love, understanding, and reconciliation. Remember, as believers, we are all recipients of God’s boundless mercy and amazing grace (unmerited favor), and it is through our actions that His love shines brightly in this dark world around us.
Bible Reading
The Power of Bible Study: Understanding God’s Word
“Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.”
2 Timothy 2:15
Don’t just skim through these passages; take out your Bible, open its pages, and dive deep into the Word of God. It’s not enough to read; we must study and meditate on the verses. The truth is, understanding Scripture requires repeated readings, prayerful reflection, and dedicated study. You don’t need advanced degrees to comprehend God’s message; all you need is a humble heart, a hunger for knowledge, and a willingness to invest time in studying His Word.
As you dig into the Scriptures, the Holy Spirit will illuminate your understanding. With each repetition, new insights will unfold, deeper meanings will surface, and the message of God’s love and truth will penetrate your soul, strengthening your faith which is your shield against the evil one; ‘above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one’ Ephesians 6:16. Embrace the transformative power of studying the Word, for it equips you as a faithful servant, approved by God, who rightly divides the truth.
Galatians 2:20
‘I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.’
Colossians 3:1-11
‘If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory. Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth: fornication, uncleanness, passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry. Because of these things the wrath of God is coming upon the sons of disobedience, in which you yourselves once walked when you lived in them. But now you yourselves are to put off all these: anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy language out of your mouth. Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him, where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all.’
II Corinthians 5:14-15,17
‘For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died; and He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.’
by Jamie Pantastico | May 16, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
Here are three of many verses in the Bible that admonish believers to be thankful for everything in and all situations.
Ultimately, our heart of gratitude and thankfulness comes from the fact that God sent His only Son, Jesus Christ to die on our behalf.
‘knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.’
Galatians 2:16
- Colossians 3:15 “And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”
- 1 Thessalonians 5:18 “In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”
- Ephesians 5:20 “Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
These verses from the apostle Paul remind believers of the importance of maintaining a heart of gratitude. They encourage us to hold to an attitude of thanksgiving in all circumstances, recognizing that thankfulness is God’s will for us. By allowing the peace of God to rule in our hearts and offering continuous thanks to Him, we display a heart filled with gratitude, acknowledging His goodness and provision in our lives.
by Jamie Pantastico | May 16, 2023 | Daily Encouragement |
In the progression of God’s plan of salvation, we find the essence of God’s amazing grace — that we are saved not by our own works but by placing our faith in Jesus Christ and His finished work on the cross. Our salvation rests on the truth of the gospel found in 1 Corinthians 15:1-4, that Christ died (shed His blood) for our sins, was buried, and rose again on the third day.
“Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.”
Galatians 2:16
“But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.”
Romans 4:5
Grace Beyond Works
No amount of good deeds or adherence to the law can earn us salvation. It is by faith in Jesus Christ and the finished work of the cross alone that we are justified before God. Our faith, a gift from God, secures our righteousness and reconciliation with Him (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Trusting the Finished Work
When we recognize our own sinfulness and acknowledge our inability to save ourselves, we humbly place our trust in Jesus. His sacrifice on the cross, His shed blood paid the price for our sins, and through faith alone (in the gospel), we receive the gift of eternal life (Romans 6:23).
A Free Gift of Grace
Salvation is not a result of our own efforts but a free gift of God’s grace (Romans 5:15; Romans 3:24). It is freely offered to all who believe (not work), regardless of their past or present circumstances. God justifies the ungodly (Romans 5:8), declaring them righteous through faith.
Walking in Freedom
By knowing the truth that we are saved by faith and not by works, we are set free from the burden of striving to earn our salvation. We can confidently trust in God’s grace, knowing that His love and mercy are more than sufficient to cover our sins past, present, and future.
‘Stand fast therefore in the liberty wherewith Christ hath made us free, and be not entangled again with the yoke of bondage. ‘
Galatians 5:1
Living in Gratitude
Our response to this incredible gift of salvation is one of deep gratitude. We strive to live lives that honor God, not out of obligation or to earn His favor, but out of love and gratitude for what He has done for us (Ephesians 2:10).
‘that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; ‘
Colossians 1:10
