Christ- the end of the Law

I know, long time no see! Where have I been hiding you may ask.... nowhere really I think I have been hiding from my computer since my semester ended. I must confess Lew is just a better blogger than I am, but I guess I will get the hang of this eventually.

I was reading this morning in Romans and was really encouraged by chap. 10 vs 2-4:

"I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God and seeking to establish their own, they do not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

I can bear witness for myself that it is so easy to have a "zeal for God" based on my own good deeds. There are days where I will have a great day whether it means doing well in school or at my job, or even Lew and I would have a conflict free day where we communicated really well and overall I would feel encouraged. Then there would be days quite the opposite; I didn't do so well at school/work, Lew and I had a conflict or I sinned against him in some way then the feeling hits....discouragment. I am realizing more and more that what this says about me is basically I am proud and carry a sense of my own self righteousness. I am so grateful that we have a patient Lord who is willing to work with us and pour out grace abundently. God's word is clear for those who have put there faith in Christ that Christ is the end of the law--we cannot through our works earn righteousness "for if justication were through the law then Christ died for no purpose." (Gal 2:21)

So whether or not I have a "good day" or "bad day" God's love for me never changes-- when he looks at me he see's the righteousness of Christ. The most beautiful part is how undeserving I am, I know that nothing I could have done could earn this for me, it is truly God's diving love and mercy.

CJ Mahaney sums it up well in his book Living the Cross Centered Life

"I know the temptation to legalism. That's why when I complete my daily devotions and close my bible, I make a point of reminding myself that Jesus' work, not mine, is the basis of my forgiveness and acceptance by God. I pray, 'Lord, I ask for Your grace and strength as I seek to serve you today. I thank You that all Your blessings flow to me from Your Son's work on my behalf. I'm justified by Your grace alone. None of my efforts to obey You and grow in sanctification add you Your finished work at the cross.'"(120)