Romans 4:1-8; 13-17—Faith in God’s
Promises – Faith obeys Christ who makes us righteous
Faith accepts God’s righteousness. The
faith of Abraham was reckoned to him as righteousness.
In chapter 3, Paul had just explained
that sinners are justified by grace through faith and not by the works of the
Law. Therefore, believers in Christ have no reason to boast of their
righteousness, because it came as a gift of faith, an illustration of what it
means to be justified by faith. Abraham did not have the Law and could not
perform the works of the Law.
He simply believed God, trusted in his
promises and obeyed his command. As a result, it was reckoned to him as
righteousness. What Abraham received by faith, believers, both Jew and Gentile,
can have — the same promise of reconciliation with God.
Paul uses Abraham as a case study in
the central doctrine of our faith; salvation by grace through faith and not by
works of the Law. Abraham found favor with God and was blessed because he believe
in God’s promises. Abraham’s obedience followed his acceptance of the promise.
The promises of God represent and demonstrate the grace of God. Faith is the
acceptance of the promises. If God accepts us because of his grace, we have no
reason to boast of our works.
Here is a model of faith. Abraham is a paradigm of faith for the Christian. His relationship with God, his favor with God, depended on his trust in God’s word. An utter reliance upon God’s goodness brings one into a blessed connection with God.
God our Father, help us to hear Your
Son. Enlighten us with Your word, that we may find the way to Your glory. We
ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, Your Son, who lives and reigns with You
and the Holy Spirit, One God, forever and ever. [2]
[3] Collect for Thursday of the week of Lent 1, For All the Saints, A Prayer Book For and By the Church, Vol. III © 1995 The American Lutheran Publicity Bureau, Delhi, NY
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