Religious Pride or Resting in Jesus?

Are you trusting in religious markers of your own? What are you resting in to stand before the holy and righteous God? Religious priviliges can lead to religious pride. And Paul teaches nothing in this section that is different from Jesus' words directly to the Pharisees. We often like to act as if we have everything together in our lives, and rationalize our sins. It's easy to instruct others what to do – but not so much when it comes time to apply truth to our own lives. Where do we go from here? We are not one of God's chosen and beloved people if we are only that way outwardly. It's a new heart that we need in order to be one of His true covenant people. It's the Holy Spirit's transformation of our heart that matters. Give up your own righteousness. Drop the facade. Stand before the holy God and admit you are guilty, and then rest on the finished work of Jesus alone. He kept the whole law perfectly; and by faith in Him, His righteousness is reckoned to us. He is our only hope in life and death. Be honest about where your sin lies, and then find rest for your soul in Jesus alone.