August 13, 2018

Good News for Everyone!

Romans 10:11–13

Erin Schreyer
Monday's Devo

August 13, 2018

Monday's Devo

August 13, 2018

Central Truth

God isn't exclusive. He isn't reserving space in heaven for only the elite, best-of-the-best Christians. No, He makes a way for all of us. Anyone (and everyone) who believes that Jesus is the risen Son of God, Savior, and Lord will, indeed, be saved.

Romans 10:11–13

11 For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” 12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. 13 For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Dive Deeper | Romans 10:11–13

For the first time in my daughter's pre-teen life, she has a desire to participate in a club sport beyond our local YMCA. We've never entered into this world before, so the learning curve is quite steep. Thankfully, we're beginning this journey with a preformed team of friends. But other players aren't quite so fortunate. They must endure the agonizing process of trying out, performing their best, and hoping to be chosen. These girls will work to showcase their talent and prove their pedigree. They will practice frequently leading up to try outs. They might even train with a private coach. And on the day of tryouts, they will sweat with anxiety, hoping they are "enough"—enough to be selected. It sounds so stressful, doesn't it?

Thankfully, God spares us from a tryout process. Our time on earth isn't about proving that we're enough or worthy of being chosen. Quite the contrary, God loves us all and desires to be in relationship with us into eternity. It's why He sent His Son for us (John 3:16).

He doesn't require a long list of to-do's to earn His favor. The work He desires is for us to believe in the One that He has sent (John 6:29). And, when we believe, He adopts us as His children (John 1:12-13; Galatians 3:26; Romans 8:17; 1 John 3:1). Believers become one family together in Christ (Galatians 3:28).

God doesn't scrutinize our original family upbringing, our past mistakes (or successes), or our particular sect of religion. The gospel message is an invitation to us all. It's an invitation to all sinners (yes, everyone: Romans 3:23) to be reconciled to God and forgiven for our sins—past, present, and future.

The good news is that God made the perfect provision for our sins through Christ. Through Him, the price has been paid. It is finished. There is no tryout. Everyone who believes makes the cut and is worthy. All those who believe are promised the rich blessings of Christ in this life and beyond (Ephesians 1:3, 13-14; 3:8; Philippians 4:19). We are chosen.

This month's memory verse

Future Glory

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.

– Romans 8:18

Discussion Questions

1. Do you believe that salvation comes through faith alone? What holds you back from fully trusting God's promise?

2. Belief in Christ is much more than simple intellectual acceptance. What does belief look like, and what evidence do we often see as a result?

3. With whom can you share this message of salvation and hope? Who would be relieved to replace the burdens of perfectionism and performance with grace through faith?