Devotion: Romans 2:7

Romans 2:7 To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immortality, he will give eternal life.

When you first read today’s verse, you might be led to believe that Paul is teaching that salvation is earned by our merit – by what we do. But if you read the verse in context and look at other verses throughout the book of Romans and the New Testament, we see that Paul defends his position that salvation is not by works, but is by faith alone.

We see instead that through our persistence in doing good seek glory, He gives eternal life. This is not saying we are working to earn our salvation. Instead, it is showing the evidence of a changed heart. A transformation has taken place in the new believer and their heart was been made new. And as a result of this, they become a new person, saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8-9)

There is no doubt that Paul supported salvation by faith alone. He very clearly lays out his case in the book of Romans (Romans 3:20; Romans 3:28;Romans 4:5; Romans 11:6). Look at all he wrote in the various epistles. Other New Testament writers, including Jesus Himself, defend the position that salvation is a gift of God and not something earned through our works (John 3:16–18; John 6:28–29; 1 Peter 1:3–9; 1 John 3:1–5; 1 John 5:1–12).

What does this mean for you and me in today’s day in age? It means the same thing to us that it meant to the people of Paul’s time – salvation is by grace alone, not by our own merit. We cannot save ourselves. We can only believe and trust in Him and accept His grace and mercy for ourselves. Don’t fall victim to the belief that you earn your salvation or that you continue to work it out. You are saved by grace through faith and nothing more. It is His great grace and mercy that He bestows upon us, though we are totally undeserving.

Spend a few minutes today pondering how great that gift is. Meditate on it for a few minutes and really synthesize what it means in your life. And then thank Him for what He did for you. He died for you. He gave His life in exchange for yours. The least you can do is give Him the glory for what He has done. Praise His Name and thank Him for your salvation.

Prayer: Lord, Thank You for Your gift of grace. Thank You for saving me from eternal separation. Help me to recognize Your sacrifice and life for You. Amen 

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