2 Corinthians 10:17-18
But let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord. To be sure, it is not the one who commends himself who is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Paul credits that our salvation comes from you. Anyone to say they had a part to play in their salvation that somehow their actions saved them would be commending themselves into your heaven, which is impossible. We are all born sinful; David wrote in Psalm 51: “Certainly, I was guilty when I was born. I was sinful when my mother conceived me.” All are sinful even from birth, so your plan to save us was to send your Son to live his life perfectly—without sin’s spot or blemish.
Jesus was the only one born without sin and was sent to the cross as an innocent man, suffering the punishment of the cross for our sins. We are reminded that he was not only Mary’s son but also your Son. So in his suffering and death, he became sin for us; he took our sins into himself to suffer our punishment. Then Jesus defeated death by being raised from death; the empty tomb on Easter morning was proof you had accepted his payment for all our sins. Lord, thank you for redeeming us from the guilt, shame, and punishment before us. Isaiah wrote, “Through his (Jesus’) wounds, we are healed.”
We thank You because we are justified through Your plan of salvation—Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection. This gift comes to us by faith that the Holy Spirit begins in each believer. None of this is on us; you have done it all. We are justified—declared not guilty—because of your love for us, and you commend us to be part of your family in heaven. Through faith, let us boast to others of the salvation you have given us through Jesus, and forgive us if we try to take any credit for your love. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Do you like when someone takes credit for the work you have done? Realize what God gave for your salvation; he gave his Son so you would have life. Eternal life is yours through the forgiveness Jesus won for you on the cross; give him all the credit.