DAILY DEVOTION, Sept 22, 2021

But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world. ¹⁵ For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision avails anything, but a new creation (Galatians 6:14-15).

Christians must never boast about their accomplishments. The only thing we have to boast about is the cross of Jesus, which brings salvation and new life to us. When Jesus appeared to Paul on the Damascus Road, his life was forever changed. He describes the change as a crucifixion. He is now dead to his old way of life.

He refers back to the Jewish Law. It no longer matters regarding salvation. The Old Covenant rituals like circumcision make no difference. What matters is becoming a new creation – – – a new person – – – once Jesus enters the picture. Faith in Jesus brings a new birth, a new way of life. We cannot say, “I am a Christian because I was baptized and partake of the Lord’s Supper and am a church member.” Those are all good, but rituals do not save us unless our lives reflect a new birth or a new creation.  If you feel pride in yourself and your Christian achievements, you are on the wrong path. The pride we feel is in Jesus, our Savior. Without Him, we can do nothing worthwhile.

Father, Paul’s words make me think. Am I a new creation? Am I living a new way of life? Father, deliver me from trusting in my achievements or rituals to save me. Change my heart, oh God, I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.