May 23, 2018: SOAP #3093: 2Chronicles 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 4:3 What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Observation:    How was Abraham able to be the “friend of God?”  How did Abraham become the father of the nation, he who had no children of his own? It was simply by faith.  Abraham believed.  He believed what God said.  It is important to God to be believed and trusted!

Abraham did not work to earn his standing before God; he simply received it and held on to it with the “hands” of faith.  This was not something earned but given.  It is not a reward for services rendered, but a gift to one loved.  God was not obligated to Abraham.  God was gracious to Abraham!

God is very interested in our works.  He rewards our works.  However, works can never be the basis of our expectation as though God must pay us what we have earned.  Works do not precede our faith, they come as a response to our faith.  Works are what we do out of appreciation for the grace we have already received by faith.

Application:   When my faith is God and His work for my salvation, I receive the blessings of God’s righteousness credited to my account.  In God’s eyes, I become righteous.  My sins are forgiven, my life is cleansed.  I am justified!  I am made “just as if I’d” never sinned!  Amazing! Through faith I possess what I could never earn or gain on my own.

Prayer:    Heavenly Father, with my mouth and with my actions may I declare that I believe and trust you!  With all I am and all I have, I trust you!  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!