We are blessed through faith.
17 February 2021
Key verses: 3:22-24 “the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, since all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; they are now justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus” and Romans 5:1 “Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ”
Paul explains the doctrine of justification by faith by illustrating the life of Abraham. It is obvious that Abraham was not justified because of his good works, in fact nothing is said of them, even though he had crossed the desert in obedience to the divine command. No, it was his belief; “For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Romans 4:3. Throughout the bible we read about the relationship between God and man for example “you shall be my people, and I will be your God. I will save you from all your uncleanness”, Ezekiel 36:28-29. All leading to the gift of His Son Jesus Christ.
From the earliest times, men have been justified by faith, (Heb. 11:4-39). Faith has two unfailing elements: attitude and receptiveness. This means we are to have the right attitude toward God to be repentant, and from this we are given the power of receiving the gift of the Holy Spirit. Through this gift we are made “partakers of the divine nature,” 2 Pet. 1:4. This was the case with Abraham “who is the father of us all” Romans 4:16. Jesus tells us that, “Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.” John 8:56. David also sings of the same grace which justifies the sinner and counts him as righteous, “Happy are those whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Happy are those to whom the LORD imputes no iniquity” Psalms 32:1-2.
This blessedness is for all (Romans 4:9-15). In Abraham’s case it is clear that he was justified by faith while he was still a Gentile. The badge of Judaism, circumcision, was stamped upon him long after he had believed God. In fact Paul lays great emphasis on this order, first faith, then obedience, and afterward circumcision, which then made Abraham the father and founder of the Jewish people. Justification is given to Abraham in the first stage, not in circumcision and not even in obedience, but in the simple act of believing God, “And he believed the LORD; and the LORD reckoned it to him as righteousness” Genesis 15:6 in fact it is not until Genesis 17:10-11 and Abraham was about 100 years old when this covenant was given. Clearly then, if we who come after have the same faith that Abraham’s had then we may also claim the same justifying righteousness, without the outward rite of circumcision, and also, we may be reckoned among his children. If we enter into the meaning of these earlier stages of Abraham’s life, we may claim the promises made to him in uncircumcision. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God. For you did not receive a spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received a spirit of adoption. When we cry, “Abba! Father!” it is that very Spirit bearing witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” Romans 8:14-17
Let us remember, that from the time we trust Christ (whatever may have been our past or present weaknesses and temptations) we are reckoned as righteous in the sight of God. In addition because of His promises, we can count on absolute deliverance from the power of sin. Therefore do not look down, worrying over your weakness, do not look back upon your past, littered with failure. Instead look up to the living Christ. “For in him every one of God’s promises is a “Yes.” For this reason it is through him that we say the “Amen,” to the glory of God” 2 Corinthians 1:20