When addressing the church in Rome, Paul used the example of Abraham from Genesis 15 to show to the Jews within that congregation that the Gentiles’ (of which Abraham was one, too) faith in the Lord, just as Abraham’s, was what makes them righteousness. Paul writes in Romans 4:1-5 [RSV] and Romans 4:21-25 [RSV], saying,
1. What then shall we say about Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 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 reckoned to him as righteousness." 4. Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due. 5. And to one who does not work but trusts Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.
20. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21. fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. 22. That is why his faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness." 23. But the words, "it was reckoned to him," were written not for his sake alone, 24. but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in Him that raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25. Who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
We are all called to a journey, and in many ways it is a journey not unlike that which was made by Abraham and Sarah. We also are in many ways similarly called like that of Abraham and Sarah. We will journey by stages, and without a map, but we do have a promise and the presence of God, His Holy Spirit, to show us the way. We will experience all of life on that journey, both the good and the bad, but if we trust in the Lord and have faith in His word “that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 [RSV]).
Just as Abraham and Sarah were, we, too, are called to leave our attachments to home and family, to our ideas of what religion is or should be, to make God our only loyalty. We are to seek His approval, rather than the approval of those around us. We are called to be a family of God through Whose name nations will bless themselves. We are called to live the intensity of life, as well as the peace of life. We can have the harmony of life when we live with God awareness. We are called to be salt and light to the world, a leaven of peace, through the saving love of God.
Yes, indeed, we are called to a journey of faith. And our faith is and will be reckoned to us as righteousness, just as it was with Abraham, when we rest in the fact that His promises are sure, and His promises are true.
1. What then shall we say about Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 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 reckoned to him as righteousness." 4. Now to one who works, his wages are not reckoned as a gift but as his due. 5. And to one who does not work but trusts Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness.
20. No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21. fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. 22. That is why his faith was "reckoned to him as righteousness." 23. But the words, "it was reckoned to him," were written not for his sake alone, 24. but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in Him that raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25. Who was put to death for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
We are all called to a journey, and in many ways it is a journey not unlike that which was made by Abraham and Sarah. We also are in many ways similarly called like that of Abraham and Sarah. We will journey by stages, and without a map, but we do have a promise and the presence of God, His Holy Spirit, to show us the way. We will experience all of life on that journey, both the good and the bad, but if we trust in the Lord and have faith in His word “that in everything God works for good with those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose” (Romans 8:28 [RSV]).
Just as Abraham and Sarah were, we, too, are called to leave our attachments to home and family, to our ideas of what religion is or should be, to make God our only loyalty. We are to seek His approval, rather than the approval of those around us. We are called to be a family of God through Whose name nations will bless themselves. We are called to live the intensity of life, as well as the peace of life. We can have the harmony of life when we live with God awareness. We are called to be salt and light to the world, a leaven of peace, through the saving love of God.
Yes, indeed, we are called to a journey of faith. And our faith is and will be reckoned to us as righteousness, just as it was with Abraham, when we rest in the fact that His promises are sure, and His promises are true.
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