Righteousness By Faith – A Lenten Devotional – Following Jesus From the Edges –

Today’s devotional is shared by Cindy Jack. Cindy shares her gifts and talents through her music and teaching ministry. As Cindy shares in this devotional about living a life devoted to Jesus and following the leading of the Holy Spirit, we pray it speaks to your heart and draws you closer in your relationship with God.

Devotionals By Us for Us

Day 10 of Lent – March 3, 2026

Righteousness By Faith

Contributed by Cindy Jack

Romans 4:6-13

In chapter 4 of Romans, Paul is continuing his argument for justification and righteousness by faith only, and not by works.  As he says in verse 6, “David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it.” NLT   For those who are trying to earn their righteousness, happiness is not their usual state of mind.

As a teen back in the 1960’s, I thought my goodness, or God’s approval, depended on how well I kept all the ‘don’ts’.  Don’t drink, don’t smoke, don’t miss church and for some denominations, don’t dance and certainly don’t go to the movies.  The list of ‘don’ts’ is endless when we are trying to earn our salvation, and the guilt that accompanies our failures can be crushing.  

It wasn’t until a decade later that I learned the wonderful truth in Ephesians 2:8-9; “God saved you by His grace when you believed.  And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God.  Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.” NLT 

But, even now, sometimes I get it backwards. I find myself worrying and striving through my own efforts to do enough and be enough.  So this Lenten season, my goal is to dwell on the great love Jesus showed for me though His sacrifice on the cross, not trying harder through my own efforts but training my heart to live in faith.  In the words of one of my favorite songs; In Christ alone, my hope is found.