Devotional
John 2:23 to 3:1-6
by Andrés Chinchín
“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit”(John 3:6)
If we could save ourselves, then our works would be what will take us to heaven. We would be the authors and creators of our own faith. However, we are dead in our trespasses and sins, but it is the mercy of God through his Holy Spirit “who has called us by the Gospel, has enlightened us with his gifts, has sanctified us and has kept us in the true faith; just as He calls, gathers, illuminates and sanctifies the entire Christian Church on earth” (Luther, 2008/1986, p.17). It is thus that being born again we can do good works, not to save ourselves, but as a sign that we have already been saved.
To think:
For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Prayer:
Lord, thank you that you are the author and creator of our faith. Please allow your Spirit to strengthen in me the faith that you have created.
Amen
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Luther Small Catechism. (2008). Concordia. (Original work published, 1986)
