Bible Reading: Romans 4
Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
What a wonderful truth! If justification were reckoned by works, we would have to earn it. The way you would earn wages would be the way you earn God’s favor. You would work hard and he would reward you for your work. That actually is what most people in the world believe. They believe that based on their good works, piety, ritual or prayers, they will earn God’s favor. But the Bible says that is not possible. Our sin cannot be paid for by good works. It must be paid for with blood.
Hebrews 9:22 And almost all things are by the law purged with blood; and without shedding of blood is no remission.
The wonderful truth is the God accepts our faith and in turn gives us righteousness! You cannot earn righteousness it is given as a gift to him that worketh not. When you believe that God has done the work for you in Christ, then you are ready to receive righteousness. Justification is always done by God to the ungodly – that’s you and me! We are not good people who deserve God’s salvation and favor. We are sinners who deserve God’s wrath. However, because God loves us, he gave his Son, Jesus Christ for us. When we believe on Jesus Christ and receive him, we are justified and counted righteous.
This is a lesson we learn, not from a New Testament teaching, but from Abraham! This is the way of salvation for every man, woman, boy and girl in the history of the world!
Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Faith is believing the promises of God. It is to take God at his word. Faith is confidence in God that what he has said, he will do. Do you believe the promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ? Then he is your Savior! Do you believe that he loves you and died for you? Do you believe that your sins are forgiven because of his shed blood? Then you are justified! Praise the Lord for Jesus!
In Christ,
Rody
