By Faith, and Faith Only, We Are Saved
Scripture Passage: Romans 4:1-12 (NASB)
What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven,
And whose sins have been covered.
8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”
9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” 10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.
SUMMARY
Paul talks about Abraham to explain how God justifies us by our faith, not by our works. Paul states that Abraham was credited righteous by God because of his faith in Him, not because of his deeds. It means that our deeds cannot justify us before God. In fact, Abraham had been called righteous by God even before he was circumcised in Genesis chapter 15. God asked Abraham to be circumcised in Genesis chapter 17.
REFLECTION AND MEDITATION
In chapter 12 of Genesis, God called Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household and go to the land that He will show. Upon hearing this calling, Abraham obeyed and “left as the Lord had told him.” (Gen 12:4) If Abraham did not believe God as who He is, then he would’ve not left everything behind and set forth following His lead. It is Abraham’s faith in God that led the scene to chapter 15 of Genesis where God credited him as righteous. At this time, Abraham was not circumcised yet. This explains that circumcision was not a prerequisite to be called righteous by God.
In previous QT passages, Paul talked about how no one is righteous under heaven, and we are credited righteous only through the faith in Jesus Christ. Before the law, we are all sinners. No matter how hard we try to live by the law, it is impossible for us not to fall short of the glory of God. No human justification, whether through a religious custom of circumcision, nor any great amount of good deeds can keep us in covenant relationship with God. We are called to be one of His people only through the faith in God and through the sacrificial blood of Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him.”
APPLICATION
I wonder whether I am living to please God through my faith, or through my works. As the years get added to my christian walk, my faith in God has faded, but the deeds and works that I do have increased. And those deeds and works aren’t even out of pure heart, but more out of duty and habit. I am realizing again that God sees my heart and seeks my faith more than anything. I should stop doing stuff conscious of human judgement or acknowledgement, but to seek more intimacy with God through prayer and worship.
PRAYER
Father, thank you for calling me as your own child. I’m realizing once again that there isn’t anything that I can do more of, or less of, to make you love me. You have always loved me just as I am, even though I may feel at times that I do not deserve it. I am so grateful that you met me and I can say that I know you as my savior and the Lord. I am reminded of this song as I meditate on your words today, and give you praise.
“And I will run to You
To Your words of truth
Not by might, not by power
But by the spirit of God
Yes, I will run the race
'Til I see Your face
Oh, let me live in the glory of Your grace” from I will Run to You by Hillsong
In Jesus name, I prayed
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