RIGHTEOUSNESS THAT COMES BY FAITH

Today apostle Paul focuses on the faith of Abraham, to remark about the righteousness that comes by faith in Christ. This is to convey to our understanding that God only declares people righteous based on their faith in Him. Abraham was declared righteous by God for his faith. The reason is because he did not doubt or waver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, rather he grew strong and empowered by faith, giving glory to God and being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.

Reference: Romans 4:23-24 Amplified Bible (AMP) "Therefore his faith was credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God). Now not for his sake alone was it written that it was credited to him, but for our sake also—to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."

Why did Paul recommend Abraham's faith? It was because God called him and assured him of two things: "This is my covenant with you: I will make you the father of a multitude of nations (Genesis 17:4 NLT). Also Abraham and Sarah had no child or children, yet God promised him a son with Sarah. However, years of decades passed, no sign of having a son with Sarah. Going through all of these years, Abraham's faith in God did not waver, rather he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God (see Romans 4:20).

For this reason, Paul pointed out that Abraham was counted righteous by God for his faith, according to Genesis 15:6 (NIV). By Abraham being willing to receive God's Word and continuing to believe God, He had a right standing with God. Beloved, Abraham's story is a proof of how any human could possibly be counted as righteous by believing in Christ Jesus and placing their faith in God. It is our faith in God that justifies us and makes us acceptable to God. This truth is the key to practical Christianity. Millennia after Abraham is gone, all those who come to Christ by faith are the very seed of Father Abraham, just because he believed God. In other words, from generation to generation, Abraham's action is still relevant to salvation of all that would come to Christ. This is how far one man's obedience and faith can go. What if he didn't believe God?

The righteousness that comes by faith depends on the truth and efficacy of God's Word. Today the question goes to us as Christians. What if we don't believe God? What if our faith is weak? What if we don't take God seriously at His Word? Did you know how many souls that are being saved and impacted whenever you believe and act on God's Word? Therefore never take God's Word for granted. This also pictures what Christ came to do for us. He became a great and perfect sacrifice for sin, thereby offering anyone who would come to Him the promise of salvation and eternal life. With this view, I enjoin anyone reading this, who is yet to place their faith in God by receiving Christ as Lord to do so today. Indeed, your faith would be credited to you as righteousness (right standing with God), when you accept Jesus as Saviour and Lord.

For righteousness to be credited to you, as one who believes in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, you must denounce the nature of sin and declare His Lordship over your life by faith. Romans 10:8-10 (NIV) reads, 'But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the message concerning faith that we proclaim: If you declare with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.' Shalom!

Scripture Reading - John 3:16; Romans 4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23.

Exuberant Declaration: Faith is the instrument by which I have received the righteousness of God. The nature and power of my faith is grounded in believing God's Word and testimony. By the strength of faith, I'm empowered to share the good news of the glorious gospel in my world for the justification and salvation of sinners who would come to Christ now and always. Through my right standing with God, the fulfilment of my divine purpose and destiny by His grace and power is assured and guaranteed. Blessed be God!