GOD FORBID THAT I SHOULD GLORY SAVE IN THE CROSS - EASTER DEVOTIONAL

FRIDAY, MARCH 7, 2014  

45 DAYS TO RESURRECTION SUNDAY

Galatians 6:14 “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross…”

SCRIPTURE READING: GALATIANS 3:13-14; 24-28; 6:14-16

13 Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree: 14 That the blessing of Abraham might come on the Gentiles through Jesus Christ; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.

Galatians 3:24-28

24 The law [the Old Testament Law given to Moses by God] was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster. 26 For ye are all the children of God by faith in Christ Jesus. 27 For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.

Galatians 6:14-16

14 God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world. 15 For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. 16 And as many as walk according to this rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God.

REFLECTION: The law of God cannot change our hearts. But the law of God can and does reveal what is in our hearts. 

When the law of God says, “Thou shalt not…” natural men reply, “I will do it if it kills me!” Yet these same natural men feel condemned for their rebellion to God’s law.

To assuage their conscience and to prove to others that they are not so bad, they emphasize their good works, hoping that if their good outweighs the bad they will earn God’s favor. But God is not impressed.

God is looking for a people who are not only conformed to His will, but who are so transformed that they love His will. The Apostle Paul discovered that his only hope for salvation was found in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. Only salvation through the cross of Christ could change his heart, change his mind, and change his life.

It was a difficult truth to accept for it meant that he would be relying on Christ alone for His salvation. But when he died to the world—its opinions, its expectations, its approval—and died to his own self-righteousness, he proclaimed: “I WILL GLORY IN THE CROSS!” The cross made the difference! And it still does!.

PRAYER: Our Father, you alone are worthy of our highest praise. You who so loved the world that you gave your only begotten Son are worthy of our deepest gratitude. You, who has sent forth your Holy Spirit as the Spirit who convicts, who converts, who guides, who comforts, who sanctifies, and who satisfies, are worthy of our admiration and love. Were it not for the cross of Christ we would have been forever without God and without hope, but we are deeply grateful today for your sacrifice. May we never glory in the things we have done for you, but live to give you glory for what you have done for us. We love you Lord and pray that today your wonderful will would be fulfilled in our lives. In the strong name of Jesus, Amen.