DAILY DEVOTION, Sept. 9, 2021

But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe. ²³ But before faith came, we were kept under guard by the law, kept for the faith which would afterward be revealed. ²⁴ Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. ²⁵ But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor (Galatian 3:22-25).

Paul continues his theme regarding salvation. He says we are all guilty of sin (and therefore worthy of divine condemnation). However, we are justified (declared to be just) by God when we have faith in Jesus. Paul explains the basic purpose of the law of God. It is our tutor (teacher, schoolmaster) that brings us to trust in Christ. We know we have not obeyed the law, and when we learn that Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, we trust in Him. Paul says we are justified by faith. Does he add anything following faith? He does not, and so we say we are saved by faith alone, by faith plus nothing.

These words encourage us to do one thing: trust in Jesus. Yes, there are things that follow faith, but it is faith alone that saves us. Faith leads to baptism, church membership, and good works, but these do not add one iota to our salvation. They are the fruits of faith, not contributing causes to our salvation. We don’t work for our salvation; we trust Jesus for it.

Father God, may Your name be honored throughout the world. You have opened a way for us to enter into Your Kingdom. You invite us to trust in Your Son, and we receive the forgiveness of all our sins and the gift of eternal life. Thank You for loving us so much that You sent Your Son to redeem us. We pray in His name, Amen.