WHERE CAN I FIND GOD?

 

Romans 10:5-7  Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them." But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?' " (that is, to bring Christ down) "or 'Who will descend into the deep?' " (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead). (NIV)

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You can read the verses around this Bible passage from the Internet Bible: - in English, and many other languages

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Every pious Jew tried to be 'in the right' with God by keeping the rules (God's Law). But that was unsatisfactory for two reasons: firstly they could never keep on doing everything right; and even when they did, God still felt remote. Yet God has implanted a deep desire into human beings to find Him (Job 23:3).

Paul quoted Deuteronomy 30:11-14 to show his Jewish readers that the presence of God was not far away from those who trusted in His Law. God spoke through His Word in the Old Testament, but now has spoken through Jesus Christ. There is nothing we can do to make Christ come down to us (He has already done that without us even asking!); and there is nothing we can do to raise Him from the dead (He is already risen!). All we have to do is believe in Him and trust Him for everything.
 
Legalistic religion urges people to do 'holy things' to get right with God. But Jesus said that could not be the way. When religious people asked Jesus, "What must we do to do the works God requires?" Jesus answered, "The work of God is this: to believe in the One He has sent." (John 6:28-29). So the primary 'work of righteousness' is simply to believe that Jesus is God's appointed Messiah and that His death was the punishment for our sins. Let us not make it complicated for people to follow Jesus ... we simply need to tell them the Gospel and invite them to believe in Jesus! Don't shy away from telling people about Him because you are afraid you may not be able to answer all their questions. Do not deprive them of the opportunity of knowing who Christ is and what He has done. When their faith is ignited they can trust in Him and be saved.

Prayer:  Dear Lord God Almighty. Thank You for rescuing me from legalistic religion. I know that I can never satisfy Your holiness by my own righteousness; I need Your saving grace through Jesus Christ my Lord. Forgive me when I make it difficult for people to come close to You, as they contemplate their sin and failure. Help me to be bold to speak to them about Jesus Christ who is the Saviour of all those who put their trust in Him. In His Name. Amen.