Read
Romans 4:1-12 (NLT)
Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
“Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!
Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Jesus Storybook Bible:
Son of Laughter (p.56)
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Meditate
“People are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners.” (Romans 4:5)
Pray
O God of Heaven, we praise You for Your mercy and grace. Though we are unworthy sinners, You have drawn us back through the work of Your Son. Lord Jesus, it only by your perfect sacrifice that we are holy and blameless in the eyes of the Father. Thank you for reconciling us to Yourself. Enable us by Your Spirit to live by faith in the grace You have given us. In Jesus name we pray. Amen.
Sing
Reformation Song (click “Show More” below the video for the lyrics)
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