Marie’s daily verse: 

Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory (Romans 15:7).

DAILY DEVOTION, September 22, 2024

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).

As Christians, we must humbly acknowledge that our personal accomplishments hold no weight in the face of Jesus’s cross, which brings salvation and new life. Paul’s life was forever altered when Jesus appeared to him on the Damascus Road. He describes this transformation as a crucifixion, a death to his old way of life. This is the true source of our transformation, not our own achievements.

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.  You are on the wrong path if you feel pride in yourself and your Christian achievements. We feel pride in Jesus, our Savior. Without Him, we can do nothing worthwhile.

Paul’s words should prompt us to reflect. Are we truly new creations? Are we living a new way of life? Let us not trust in our achievements or rituals to save us, but instead, let us seek a genuine transformation of our hearts.

Father, I open my heart to Jesus and pray for this change. I want to be a new creation in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.