Obligations or Grace

1 Kings 9; 2 Chronicles 8; Psalms. 136; Romans 5

“Three times a year Solomon sacrificed burnt offerings and fellowship offerings on the altar he had built for the Lord, burning incense before the Lord along with them, and so fulfilled the temple obligations.

1 Kings 9:25

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand…”

Romans 5:1, 2

Solomon stood on the shoulders of his father David’s relationship with God and he fulfilled the basic obligations of temple worship. Solomon’s relationship with God was rooted in duties and obligations. David’s relationship with God was rooted in love.

What is our relationship with God rooted in?

What is it primarily marked by?

Paul reminds the Roman Christians, and us, that we have been justified by faith, not by duties or religious works. Our relationship with God is rooted in God’s unmerited grace toward us, in Christ. Every day, we stand in our faith because of God’s grace toward us. Solomon practiced many religions as he honored the gods of his many wives. Just as he refused to be faithful to one wife or one God, we can fulfill our obligations, but have hearts that are unfaithful.

Will we stand on obligations, or by grace?

“Lord Jesus, you are my sufficiency. I choose to be faithful to you this day, for your glory.”