Prayer and Promises

The Promise 

And may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith. 

— Philippians 3:9, NASB 

The Testimony 

The grace of Christ and his righteousness are offered to men as a free gift. 

The thought that the righteousness of Christ is imputed to us, not because of any merit on our part, but as a free gift from God, is a precious thought. The enemy of God and man is not willing that this truth should be clearly presented; for he knows that if the people receive it fully, his power will be broken. If he can control minds, so that doubt and unbelief and darkness shall compose the experience of those who claim to be the children of God, he can overcome them with temptation. The simple faith that takes God at his word should be encouraged. God’s people must have that faith which will lay hold of divine power; “for by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.” Those who believe that God for Christ’s sake has forgiven their sins should not, through temptation, fail to press on to fight the good fight of faith. 

Faith is trusting God,—believing that he loves us, and knows best what is for our good. Thus instead of our own way, it leads us to choose his way. In place of our ignorance, it accepts his wisdom; in place of our weakness, his strength; in place of our sinfulness, his righteousness. Our lives, ourselves, are already his; faith acknowledges his ownership and accepts its blessing. 

How to exercise faith should be made very plain. To every promise of God there are conditions. If we are willing to do his will, all his strength is ours. Whatever gift he promises is in the promise itself. “The seed is the word of God.” As surely as the oak is in the acorn, so surely is the gift of God in his promise. If we receive the promise, we have the gift. 

Faith that enables us to receive God’s gifts, is itself a gift, of which some measure is imparted to every human being. It grows as it is exercised in appropriating the Word of God. In order to strengthen faith, we must often bring it in contact with the Word. 

— The Review and Herald, December 24, 1908 

The Response 

Dear Lord, I turn away from doubt and darkness, in simple faith I take You at Your word and lay hold of Your divine power. I praise You for the grace of Christ and the gift of His righteousness. By faith I receive Your gift, not because of any merit on my part but because of my great need. In You I trust, O Lord, and want to do Your will. With a grateful heart I praise You for the strength I find in Your Word!