ACCEPTED BY GRACE ALONE

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A youth devotion inspired by Q&A 60 of the Heidelberg Catechism, which focuses on the profound truth of justification by faith.

Youth Devotion: Accepted by Grace Alone

Scripture Focus:
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”
—Ephesians 2:8-9 (NIV)

Question 60 from the Heidelberg Catechism asks:
“How are you righteous before God?”
The answer beautifully explains that we are made right with God, not because of anything we have done, but only because of Christ’s sacrifice. His perfect obedience and sacrifice on the cross are counted as if they were ours. It’s not our works, but faith in Jesus that brings us salvation.

Reflection:

Imagine for a moment that you’re a student taking the hardest test imaginable. You’ve studied, but the test is so difficult that no matter how hard you try, you can’t get the answers right. Now imagine someone steps in and offers to take the test for you. Not only that, but they score a perfect 100%—and then give you the grade as if it were yours.

That’s a picture of what Jesus has done for us. We’ve all fallen short of God’s perfect standard (Romans 3:23). No amount of good deeds, church attendance, or personal effort could earn us a passing grade before God. But God, in His mercy, sent Jesus to live a perfect life and pay the penalty for our sins. When we place our trust in Him, His righteousness is credited to us, and we are fully accepted by God.

Application:

  1. Rest in Grace: Do you ever feel like you have to earn God’s love by being “good enough”? Remember, God’s love for you is not based on what you do, but on what Jesus has done.
  2. Live in Gratitude: How does it change the way you live when you know your salvation is a gift, not something you earn? Let your life reflect thankfulness to God.
  3. Share the Good News: There are so many people who think they have to earn their way to heaven. Take time this week to share the good news of Jesus’ grace with someone who needs to hear it.

Prayer:
Lord, thank You that I don’t have to rely on my own efforts to be accepted by You. Thank You for sending Jesus to take my place and give me His righteousness. Help me to live each day resting in Your grace, and sharing Your love with others. Amen.

I hope this devotion helps to encourage and inspire the youth to trust in the grace of Jesus!