Anchor Devotional

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That You May Live

“The LORD your God will circumcise your hearts and the hearts of your descendants, so that you may love him with all your heart and with all your soul, and live.” Deuteronomy 30:6

I’m wired to want to work hard and then earn a reward. Whether it’s for a paycheck or an assignment grade, we’re taught that our efforts typically pay off. I see my students operate by this philosophy all the time.

Yet that is not how salvation works. Because of sin, there is no hard work we can do to make us right with God. There is no amount of straight-A test scores to assure us of “passing the grade” and going to heaven one day. The Israelites were reminded of this reality as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. They would never be good enough to secure God’s favor, no matter how they tried.

Praise God, the message didn’t end there. Their efforts would fall short, but salvation was never dependent on their righteousness. That’s the beauty of the gospel. Jesus saves when we can’t. What we are to do, as Paul says, is “believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, [and] you will be saved” (Romans 10:9). Be certain of your salvation today. Why continually strive to earn what Jesus has already accomplished on your behalf?

SCRIPTURE FOCUS
Deuteronomy 30:1-14; Romans 10:5-13

INSIGHT
Lord, forgive me for my sins and help me to rest in Your salvation today and every day. Amen

THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Job 15-16
Psalm 50
Luke 13

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