Righteousness by Faith

Day 1: The Gift We Cannot Earn

Reading: Romans 9:30-33

Devotional: The greatest paradox of faith is that those who stopped striving found what they sought, while those who worked hardest missed it entirely. The Gentiles, who never pursued God's law, discovered righteousness through simple faith. Meanwhile, Israel stumbled over the cornerstone—Jesus Christ—because they relied on their own efforts. Today, we often make the same mistake, believing our church attendance, good deeds, or moral living will earn God's approval. But salvation has never been a wage to earn; it's always been a gift to receive. Stop trying to impress God with your résumé. Instead, come to Him with empty hands and a humble heart, ready to receive what only He can give.

Reflection: What "good works" have you been relying on to feel acceptable to God? How can you shift from earning to receiving today?

Day 2: Zeal Without Knowledge

Reading: Romans 10:1-4

Devotional: Passion without proper direction leads nowhere. Paul's own people possessed tremendous zeal for God, yet their misguided efforts resulted in rejection rather than acceptance. Before his conversion, Paul himself exemplified this—passionately persecuting Christians while believing he served God. Good intentions cannot substitute for truth. Many today claim spirituality while rejecting Christ, attempting to define God on their own terms. But sincerity doesn't equal salvation. Christ is the fulfillment and end of the law—the completion of everything God's Word pointed toward. No amount of religious activity, moral striving, or spiritual seeking can replace simple faith in Jesus. The question isn't whether you're sincere, but whether you're surrendered to the One who is Truth.

Reflection: Are you pursuing God according to knowledge, or according to your own preferences? Where might your zeal need redirection?

Day 3: The Cornerstone or the Stumbling Stone

Reading: 1 Peter 2:4-9

Devotional: Jesus Christ is simultaneously the foundation stone and the stumbling block—it all depends on your response. For those who believe, He becomes the precious cornerstone upon which an entire life can be built securely. For those who reject Him, He becomes the stone they trip over in their pride. The difference isn't in Jesus; He remains constant. The difference lies in whether we approach Him with humility or self-reliance. Peter reminds us that believers are "a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation"—not because of our merit, but because of His mercy. We were called from darkness into light, not through our searching, but through His seeking. Will Jesus be your foundation or your obstacle?

Reflection: In what areas of life are you still trying to be your own foundation? How can you build more fully on Christ today?

Day 4: No Shame for Those Who Believe

Reading: Isaiah 28:16; Romans 10:11

Devotional: "Whoever believes in him will not be put to shame." This promise echoes throughout Scripture, from Isaiah's prophecy to Paul's declaration. Shame thrives in the darkness of self-effort and failure. When we try to establish our own righteousness, we inevitably fall short, leading to guilt and condemnation. But faith in Christ removes shame entirely—not because we've finally measured up, but because Christ measured up for us. His righteousness covers our inadequacy. His perfection answers for our failures. When God looks at believers, He sees Christ's righteousness, not our shortcomings. You don't need to hide in shame or work harder to earn acceptance. In Christ, you are already fully accepted, completely loved, and eternally secure.

Reflection: What shame are you carrying that Christ has already covered? How does knowing you'll "never be put to shame" change your relationship with God?

Day 5: Christ for All Who Believe

Reading: Acts 10:34-48 (The Story of Cornelius)

Devotional: God shows no favoritism. When Peter witnessed the Holy Spirit fall upon Cornelius and his household—Gentiles who believed—it shattered his preconceptions about who could receive God's grace. The gospel isn't limited by ethnicity, social status, past failures, or present struggles. Christ came for the religious and the irreligious, the moral and the immoral, the insider and the outsider. The only requirement is faith. Perhaps you feel too far gone, too broken, or too unworthy. Perhaps you think God could never accept someone with your background. But Cornelius's story declares otherwise. If you believe, you belong. Christ's love transcends every barrier we construct. His grace reaches every person who reaches back in faith.

Reflection: Who in your life needs to hear that Christ is for them too? How can you embody this inclusive gospel message today?

Closing Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You that righteousness comes not through our striving but through faith in You. Help us release our self-reliance and embrace Your grace. May we never stumble over the cornerstone but instead build our lives upon You. Let us live without shame, knowing we are accepted in Christ. And give us courage to share this good news with all who need to hear that You came for everyone who believes. Amen.