J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
"...but the righteous will live by his faith" (Habakkuk 2:4). How is a person made right before God? By faith. How is it that a person believes God? By grace. Is the righteousness a person possess an inherent righteousness; that is, is he actually made righteous in himself? No. In what sense, then, is he righteous? By an imputed righteousness given to him by grace through faith....the righteousness of Christ. Where is boasting? It is eliminated. On what basis is it eliminated? On the basis of grace. So then a person comes to faith (life) by grace through faith and endures in faith (life) by grace. For this reason the Apostle confidently proclaims, "...and those whom He justified, He also glorified" (Romans 8:30).....this is past tense to denote a certainty. Justification is the infallible result of faith. Glorification is the infallible result of justification. The spiritual life which God gives is His life, eternal. And the gifts and calling of God are irrevokable. Oh how magnificent is the LORD on high who has delivered His people by a mighty hand. To Him be the praise and glory this day and forever! Amen
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