July 1, 2026
Dear Church of the Open Bible,
My boys are starting to work. Our 16 yr. old worked some eight-hour days last week, getting a taste of what the future holds. Our 13 yr. old worked as a soccer referee this spring, earning his first paychecks apart from family. And our 10 yr. old is more excited to do extra jobs around the house for some disposable income.
They are beginning to see how work results in wages owed. This is good and natural when it comes to responsibility and understanding what our work can earn. But it is also an opportunity for discipleship, because there are some things that our work cannot earn.
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, - Romans 4:4-5
The only thing owed us, when it comes to our work before a holy God, is condemnation. We cannot be industrious enough to change that fact. Our righteousness before a holy God can only come as a gift. It comes to us when we receive it as a gift by believing in God, who justifies the ungodly.
This is not to say that there is no place for works, as James instructs us. We are justified by faith alone, but justifying faith is never alone. It is accompanied by works (James 2:17-18). But being made right before God is a gift, and we receive it by faith.
There are some things we cannot earn, no matter how much we try. So praise God for His grace, and work out your salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit.
In Him,
Pastor Jeremy