“How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God!”
Hebrews 9:14
The first Bible verse to grab my attention as a teenager was Romans 7:15: “I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do.” Wow! That perfectly describes me, I thought. Who can rescue me from myself?
It was the book of Romans, carefully explained to me by an older woman, that laid out my sin and Jesus’ salvation like a jigsaw puzzle. Every piece of His work perfectly matched a piece of my need. Not only did the pieces fit together so I could see the bigger picture, but they also filled my heart with peace.
Yet my conscience continues to trouble me, accusing me of not doing enough to love God and my neighbor. Does yours? Does it pressure you to get busy and do more for Jesus?
God does not intend for us to lead a hamster-wheel life, running in circles until we are exhausted. Jesus’ atoning blood not only pays for our sins, but is meant to quiet our consciences. We must “repent of our righteousness” (using our works to earn favor with God) if we are to rest in the finished work of our Savior.
It was the book of Romans, carefully explained to me by an older woman, that laid out my sin and Jesus’ salvation like a jigsaw puzzle. Every piece of His work perfectly matched a piece of my need. Not only did the pieces fit together so I could see the bigger picture, but they also filled my heart with peace.
Yet my conscience continues to trouble me, accusing me of not doing enough to love God and my neighbor. Does yours? Does it pressure you to get busy and do more for Jesus?
God does not intend for us to lead a hamster-wheel life, running in circles until we are exhausted. Jesus’ atoning blood not only pays for our sins, but is meant to quiet our consciences. We must “repent of our righteousness” (using our works to earn favor with God) if we are to rest in the finished work of our Savior.
Scripture Focus
Romans 7:15-25
Insight
Instead of feeling chased by a legion of demands, I can repent from dead works one day at a time and rest at Jesus’ feet.
Bible In A Year
- Judges 5-6
- Psalm 111
- Romans 15-16
