The Law: A Reminder, Not a Savior

THIS WEEK’S BOLD STEP DEVOTION

“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”
(Roman 5:1-2)

A thermometer is a simple tool that takes the current state of a room and displays it but has no ability to change the environment it’s measuring. If the thermometer reads a high temperature, that means the room is already warm; if it reads a low temperature, the room is cold. The thermometer isn’t the cause of the temperature but only a reflection of the existing reality.

Just like a thermometer reveals when the temperature is too high or too low, laws show us what’s right and what’s wrong. The purpose of a law isn’t to change anything; it’s to point out the truth. For instance, a law might say "don’t steal," but it can’t stop someone from stealing. It simply tells us that stealing is wrong, but it doesn’t have the power to change our behavior.

And that’s where Jesus comes in. He is the one who can help fix what’s wrong in your heart, just like someone turning on the air conditioner to cool a room. Jesus, through His life, death, and resurrection, paid the penalty for your sin. He met every expectation that you could never meet on your own. Jesus fulfilled every requirement of the law, so when God looks at you, He doesn’t see your failures, but rather, the perfection of Jesus in your place.

When we accept Jesus Christ as our Savior, something profound happens as Romans 5 describes. Not only are we given a new identity and relationship with God through Jesus Christ, but we can have complete confidence about the future, especially where we’ll spend eternity. Because of all Jesus has done for us, we can confidently hope that one day we will share in God’s glory where we’ll experience His full presence and perfection.

Are you ready to take your next step with Jesus and receive the amazing gift of His grace and peace? I’ve recorded a video that will help you do just that at MoodyBible.org/Knowing-Christ

Listen to the sermon: No Condemnation

Part 1Part 2Part 3

Ministry Update from Mark

Back in January, I invited our church and thousands of other believers and churches across the nation for 21 Days of Fasting and Prayer consecrating ourselves and this year to God. Our congregation sought the Lord through the aid of a daily scripture and prayer guide that you can still access at newlifefasting.com. If you’ve never set aside time to seek the heart of God by putting aside physical concerns and seeking Him through prayer, this might be just what you need to reboot your faith.