19/04/2026
Ojoyen Daily Devotional (ODD)
Topic: Justification by Resurrection vs Self-Righteousness
Date: Sunday, April 19, 2026
Bible Verse: “Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” — Romans 4:25
Devotional: The resurrection of Jesus confirms our justification—our right standing before God. We are not made righteous by our efforts but by faith in Christ. Self-righteousness leads to pride and failure, but Christ’s righteousness brings peace and assurance. Because He rose, we are justified and accepted before God. His resurrection is God’s public declaration that the work of salvation is complete. No accusation can stand against those justified through Christ’s finished work.
Further Reading: Romans 5:1; Philippians 3:9
Justification by Resurrection Means:
1. Right standing with God
2. Righteousness through Christ
3. Peace with God
4. Assurance of salvation
Self-Righteousness Means:
1. Trust in personal effort
2. Pride and comparison
3. Insecurity
4. Lack of true peace
How to Benefit from Justification by Resurrection:
1. Believe in Christ’s work
2. Reject self-righteousness
3. Accept God’s righteousness
4. Live in peace
Real-Life Story : John Newton was once deeply involved in the transatlantic slave trade, living a life far from God. After surviving a violent storm at sea in 1748, he cried out to God for mercy. That moment marked the beginning of his conversion. He later became a pastor and wrote the famous hymn Amazing Grace, testifying to the power of justification by faith in Christ, not personal merit.
Lesson:We are justified by Christ, not by ourselves.
Fathers of the Faith Once Said:
1. Augustine of Hippo: “God justifies the ungodly, not by making them righteous first, but in order to make them righteous.”
2. Martin Luther: “Faith is a living, daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man would stake his life on it a thousand times.”
3. Charles Spurgeon: “I have no hope except in the blood and righteousness of Jesus Christ.”
Reflection Questions:
1. Am I trusting in Christ or myself?
2. Do I struggle with self-righteousness?
3. Do I have peace with God?
Prayer: Father, thank You for justification through the resurrection of Jesus. Help me to reject self-righteousness and rest fully in Your grace. Amen.