Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “Saved By Faith, Not By Works”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Friday, July 21, 2023

Title: “Saved by Faith, Not by Works”

“Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” Galatians 2:16 (NIV)

Imagine you’re at a treasure hunt with your friends. Each of you has a list of tasks to complete in order to find the hidden treasure. Some tasks are easy, like hopping on one foot, while others are more challenging, like solving a puzzle. You and your friends work as hard as you can to finish the tasks, hoping that your efforts will lead you to the treasure.

After a while, you realize that no matter how well you perform the tasks, it’s impossible to earn the treasure by your own efforts alone. As you grow tired and discouraged, someone tells you about a secret. There is a new, special rule that says whoever believes in the treasure’s owner will receive the treasure without having to complete any tasks.

You decide to put your faith in the treasure’s owner, trusting that they will give you the treasure because of your belief, not because of what you do. When the owner sees your faith, they excitedly tell you that the treasure is yours!
Just like in the treasure hunt, we sometimes think we can earn our way to God’s love and forgiveness by doing good things or being perfect. But Galatians 2:16 reminds us that it’s not about following a bunch of rules or doing good works to be accepted by God. Instead, it’s about putting our faith in Jesus Christ.
Jesus already did the hard work for us by dying on the cross for our sins. When we believe in Him and trust in His sacrifice, we receive God’s love and forgiveness as a gift. It’s not something we can earn or deserve on our own. Our works are important, but they should flow out of our faith in Jesus, not the other way around.

Thought for Reflection:
Take a moment to reflect on your own life. Are there times when you find yourself relying on your own efforts to earn God’s favor? Remember that it is by faith in Jesus, not by our works, that we are justified. Reflect on the freedom and joy that come from resting in God’s grace and love. How can you live out your faith in Jesus today? How can you be a reflection of His love and grace to others, not out of obligation or earning favor, but out of a response to His incredible gift of salvation?

Song :
Amazing grace! How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me!
I once was lost, but now am found;
Was blind, but now I see.

‘Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved;
How precious did that grace appear
The hour I first believed.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that reminds us of the truth that we are justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Help us to grasp the depth of your grace and understand that it is not our works, but our faith in Jesus that brings us into a right relationship with you. We confess that at times we tend to rely on our own efforts and strive to earn your love and forgiveness. Please forgive us and help us to rest in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. May our faith in Him be the foundation for all that we do. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.