To read: Romans 4:1-8
New Revised Standard Version Bible,What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness." Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works: "Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin."
copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the
National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America.
Used by permission. All rights reserved.
To think about:
Faith is a gift! Each day we live is a gift. Cherish it!
Abraham
had strong faith in God. He believed in God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. This statement captures the essence of Abraham's relationship with God. This is the kind of relationship that God has always wanted with his people. Abraham could not claim to deserve God's favor, but by trusting a God who promised seemingly impossible blessings to a person who clearly did not deserve them, Abraham became the model of faith for all people. The fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham depends not on the virtue of his works or it would have long since collapsed, but on the grace of the God he trusted.
Those who are righteous through faith will be those who truly live. Under God's judgment even the man who thinks himself "righteous" is a sinner without excuse. Under God's righteousness even the "sinful" man is justified and reconciled to God through grace.
The Apostle Paul tells us how through Christ there is freedom from judgment, sin, the law and even death. God has given us immunity in heaven's court. When we come in faith in Jesus, we receive Christ's own righteousness as a gift. With this right-standing before God came release from sin's guilt and its penalties. We don't deserve this release, but in Christ it is ours. We don't deserve freedom from guilt, but in Christ we are free. We are right with God through his grace in Jesus. All the charges that stood against us have been dropped - all of them!
Every day I get up and have my list of "to do's" for the day, but I have learned God has his "to do" list also. Sometimes we match, but other times he knows more about what I need to do for the day than I do. I need to remember to get up in the morning and say, "Good morning, Lord. How can I serve you today?"
Writer Peggy Cahn said, "Faith is like the air in a balloon. If you've got it, you're filled! If you don't, you're empty." Simply stated, but so true.
How do you feel about your faith? Can you explain your faith to someone who has no faith? What does your faith mean to you?
To pray:
Dear Lord, today I will have faith and all will be well. We never know when we may need to let our faith direct our every action. My faith in God will carry me over any troubled times. Achievement is possible; faith and a positive attitude will ease my efforts. Amen.
Northern Great Lakes Synod Council member
Shepherd of the Lakes Lutheran Church, Sayner, Wisc.