Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.
Devotional Thoughts
By David Wilkerson
Do you remember what your life was like before you surrendered to Christ? You were an enemy of God living in blindness, a lost soul without hope. You were ungodly, guilty — and the wrath of God was "abiding on you" (see John 3:36).
How did you find forgiveness and acceptance before God? How did you enter into the blessed assurance you were saved, rejoicing in the love of Jesus Christ?
Was it because God saw something good in you? Did you possess some inherent righteousness that attracted Him to you? Did you earn His favor with obedience and kindness?
No — absolutely not! No one is ever saved by his own works or merit. Scripture says, "But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags" (Isaiah 64:6).
All our sins are blotted out and we are reconciled to God by faith in the shed blood of Jesus. It is by grace alone we are saved — and not by anything we have done.
Can you say right now, "All my righteousness and goodness are filthy rags in God's sight, without the blood of Christ. But because of the blood, all my works, obedience and faithfulness are received as a sweet-smelling savor unto the Lord!" That, beloved, is true zeal for God — and for holiness and righteousness!