To find favor with God, we must grasp that we need the atoning salvation that Jesus Christ paid on our behalf. When we trust in Christ as our Savior, we reap the benefits of Jesus' sacrifice for our sin debt; we become saved and gain the gift of eternal life. Compared to other actions, our generosity and good works might seem like enough to win favor with the Lord, but scripture tells us that “Salvation is not as a result of works so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:9). When we stand before God, our sins' forgiveness is through Jesus Christ and His sacrificial, substitutionary atoning death. The Savior gave His life as a ransom for many (Mark 20:45). Jesus' crucifixion was a public demonstration of God's hatred for sin and immense love for humanity. He who was blameless bore the penalty for all so that we could be made righteous. No matter what we have done, Jesus makes cleansing possible for the stain left by sin. Today, let us confess any known transgressions to the Lord and turn away from them. Then Jesus will forgive us and write our names in the Lamb's book of life (John 1:9; Revelations 21:27). Trusting and accepting Jesus Christ is our assurance of eternity in Heaven. —
1 John 1:7; 1 John 5:13; John 3:36