July 17
Romans 4:1-12
If you grew up going to Sunday School you probably remember the song “Father Abraham”. A cute song which comes right out of Romans 4. On the surface it may seem slightly cryptic, but it helps us to understand that Abraham is the paradigm and “father” of faith in the Bible. Abraham believed God when he was told to leave his land and family for the Promised Land. He did this when he knew very little about God and before he entered a covenant with God where circumcision was the sign. This faith then becomes an example for everyone who is not circumcised (all Gentile people). Just like Abraham they can have righteousness credited to their account through belief. Paul then goes on to argue that Abraham is also the father for Jewish believers as well. Salvation/righteousness comes to every single person simply by faith.
If Abraham is not enough of an authority, Paul quotes David to show that righteousness has always been received by faith and not through works. Every generation struggles to embrace the truth of salvation by grace through faith, but when we come back to the Bible, we rediscover that grace has always been God's method of saving people. So let us embrace God's grace and ensure that those around us are placing their confidence in Christ's finished work; not in their own ability to perform enough works.
Father God, help me to walk by faith and share what Christ has done with all you have placed in my life. Amen.
Why do we struggle with embracing salvation by grace through faith rather than works? Why is this essential for us to know and communicate?
If you grew up going to Sunday School you probably remember the song “Father Abraham”. A cute song which comes right out of Romans 4. On the surface it may seem slightly cryptic, but it helps us to understand that Abraham is the paradigm and “father” of faith in the Bible. Abraham believed God when he was told to leave his land and family for the Promised Land. He did this when he knew very little about God and before he entered a covenant with God where circumcision was the sign. This faith then becomes an example for everyone who is not circumcised (all Gentile people). Just like Abraham they can have righteousness credited to their account through belief. Paul then goes on to argue that Abraham is also the father for Jewish believers as well. Salvation/righteousness comes to every single person simply by faith.
If Abraham is not enough of an authority, Paul quotes David to show that righteousness has always been received by faith and not through works. Every generation struggles to embrace the truth of salvation by grace through faith, but when we come back to the Bible, we rediscover that grace has always been God's method of saving people. So let us embrace God's grace and ensure that those around us are placing their confidence in Christ's finished work; not in their own ability to perform enough works.
Father God, help me to walk by faith and share what Christ has done with all you have placed in my life. Amen.
Why do we struggle with embracing salvation by grace through faith rather than works? Why is this essential for us to know and communicate?
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