J.A. Matteson
(Devotional)
Religion insists upon prerequisites to establish righteousness before God. The Gospel of grace turns all such arrogance on its head, "...for I say to you that from these stones God is able to raise up children to Abraham" (Matthew 3:9). Religion dictates terms and conditions for salvation, grace obliterates human striving, replacing it with divine initiative, "And I will give them one heart, and put a new spirit within them. And I will take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh...." (Ezekiel 11:19). The religious elite where greatly offended at John's assertion that the kingdom of God was open to the Gentiles and that their admission was being initiated by God in response to the unbelief of His covenant people to come to Him by faith and not in their vain efforts of self righteousness in attempting to keep the Law. The work of grace is recognized by humility whereas pride results in judgement.
Copyright (c) 2012 Immutable Word Ministries ("...the word of our God stands forever." Isa. 40:8).