October 8- Pastor Bill's Reading Plan

October 8        Romans 2
When talking about works in Romans 2 Paul is not applying that we earn our salvation by works.  In Romans 1:17 he references that the "Righteous will live by faith".  When he is talking about works here he is talking about actions that stem from faith in Jesus Christ.  We don't work to receive salvation, but rather we want to serve the LORD and do what is right in response to our salvation.  The idea is that when God transforms our hearts at salvation, he also gives us direction on what to do in response to salvation and writes that on our hearts.  We are called to live rightly, but we know that we can only do that with God's help.  It is important that we understand that salvation does not merely lead to a life of avoiding bad things, but a life that is focus on doing what is right.  Jesus told his disciples to stop sinning, but he also gave him a Great Commission to go and make disciples.  Works will not save us, but receiving the gift of salvation leads to action in the life of the believer.