157 Keepin’ the Faith with Father Abraham

Romans 4:1-25; 5:1-8, TBC Book Two, Chapter 157
The Jews looked to Abraham as the founding father of their faith, and they regarded Moses, born hundreds of years later, as the greatest of all their prophets. So Paul pointed to both figures when he raised this question: If righteousness (having a “right relationship with God”) is based on keeping the law that was given through Moses, why did God proclaim Abraham as righteous? Paul addresses that question as he shares Abraham’s secret to spiritual success.

What was it that Abraham discovered about God’s requirements? Was it doing works (obeying required tasks) that earned him an acceptable standing before God? If so, Abraham would have something to boast about—but not before God. Scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness.”

Now when a person works, his wages are not considered a gift, but an obligation. But to the person who does not work, the benefits he receives are a gift. So for the person who admits he or she can never earn a right standing with God, and therefore simply trusts in God’s provision as a gift, that person’s faith is credited as righteousness in God’s sight.

Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness, but under what circumstances? Was it before or after submitting to circumcision? It was not after—it was before that action took place. Circumcision was a sign, serving as a seal of the righteousness he had already obtained by faith. That makes Abraham the father of all who believe, all who place their faith in God, whether circumcised or uncircumcised. . . .

Thus Scripture records of him, “I have made you a father of many nations.”

That notion of faith being credited to someone as righteousness was not meant for him alone, but also for us. . . .

(See THE BIBLE CLICKS, Book Two, Chapter 157, for the rest of the story.)
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Today’s Takeaways
     A proverb to guide you: Remember Abraham—the father of all who believe.
     A promise to cling to: “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
               "Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.  As it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ ” Romans 4:13-17 NIV
     A praise to fill you: El Shaddai  Amy Grant     [Can skip ad after first 5 seconds]

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