Friday, May 3
“Abraham put faith in Jehovah, and it was counted to him as righteousness,” and he came to be called “Jehovah’s friend.”—Jas. 2:23.
Abraham came to be “Jehovah’s friend”—and that before the ransom sacrifice was offered. (Isa. 41:8) What, then, about true Christians who hope to live in the restored earthly Paradise? These have not received “the free gift of righteousness” with heavenly life in view “through the release by the ransom paid by Christ Jesus.” (Rom. 3:24; 5:15, 17) Nevertheless, they exercise deep faith in God and his provisions, and they manifest their faith by good works. One such work is that of “preaching the kingdom of God . . . and teaching the things concerning the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 28:31) Thus, Jehovah can view these as righteous in the sense that he did Abraham. The gift such ones receive—friendship with God—differs from “the free gift” the anointed receive. Yet, it certainly is a gift that they accept with deep gratitude. w116/15 2:19, 20
---------------------------------------------------------------
Friday's daily text is a reminder to Witnesses that they can only be saved by works, because "the free gift" does not apply to them.
The text cites Romans 3:24:
"and it is as a free gift + that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness + through the release by the ransom + [paid] by Christ * Jesus."
But if you back two verses and actually read it in context:
21 But now apart from law God’s righteousness + has been made manifest, as it is borne witness + to by the Law + and the Prophets; + 22 yes, God’s righteousness through the faith in Jesus* Christ,+ for all those having faith.+ For there is no distinction.+ 23 For all have sinned+ and fall short of the glory of God,+ 24 and it is as a free gift + that they are being declared righteous by his undeserved kindness + through the release by the ransom + [paid] by Christ * Jesus. 25 God set him forth as an offering for propitiation*+ through faith in his blood.+ This was in order to exhibit his own righteousness, because he was forgiving the sins+ that occurred in the past while God was exercising forbearance;+ 26 so as to exhibit his own righteousness+ in this present season, that he might be righteous even when declaring righteous+ the man that has faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is the boasting?+ It is shut out. Through what law?+ That of works?+ No indeed, but through the law of faith.+ 28 For we reckon that a man is declared righteous* by faith apart from works of law.+ 29 Or is he the God of the Jews only?+ Is he not also of people of the nations?+ Yes, of people of the nations also,+ 30 if truly God is one,+ who will declare circumcised+ people righteous as a result of faith and uncircumcised+ people righteous by means of their faith. 31 Do we, then, abolish law by means of our faith?+ Never may that happen! On the contrary, we establish law.+
Friday's text is an excellent example of twisting the scriptures and shows a major distinction between JW's and the majority of Christians. They are openly denying the "free gift" from Jesus Christ.
...OUTLAW