Gift by grace

Though these three men, Noah, Daniel, and Job, were in it, they should deliver but their own souls by their righteousness, saith the Lord GOD. - Ezekiel 14:14

Noah was said to be a just man and perfect in his generation (Genesis 6:9). When the rulers desired to find fault with Daniel concerning the kingdom, they could find none occasion nor fault for he was faithful, neither was there any error or fault found in him (Daniel 6:4). Job is described as perfect and upright, and one that feared God, and eschewed evil (Job 1:1). These were spiritual giants of their time. But all their righteousness could only deliver but their own souls when faced with God's righteous wrath upon the sin of the people. For the Lord says elsewhere that all our righteousness are as filthy rags (Isaiah 64:6).

There is yet one Person who stands out above all. Paul says to the Romans that by the righteousness of this Person, the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. By the obedience of this Person, shall many be made righteous (Romans 5:18-19). Noah, Daniel and Job could barely save themselves by their own righteousness. The Lord Jesus Christ saves ALL by His righteousness. If only I would accept that free gift!