May 23, 2019: SOAP #3458:  2Chronicles 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Scripture:  Romans (NIV) 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter?
2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.
3 What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Observation:   The matter before us is faith and/or works.  Which one brings us salvation?  The Jews put a great emphasis on keeping the Law of Moses.  It was important to them how well they DID in keeping the law.  Since they could not keep it perfectly, they ended up taking pride in at least doing it better than anyone else.  Surely God would be impressed with their efforts; they sure were.

Here the writer of Romans bypasses Moses and goes further back to Abraham.  Moses gave them the Law, but Abraham was their father! It all began with Abraham.  In their consideration of Moses, the emphasis was on the work of keeping the Law.  But what did Abraham discover about his relationship with God, since he did not have the Law of Moses?

Abraham discovered that faith in God was credited to him as righteousness!

Application:   When I have the same faith as Abraham, in the same God as Abraham then I will have the same righteousness as Abraham.  It is not because I have lived life so perfectly that I deserve to have my heavenly account credited with righteousness.  It is because I trust that Jesus death on the cross covers my sins and that His righteousness is credited to my account.

Prayer:  Heavenly Father, I am unworthy and undeserving, yet I believe Your promise.  Thank you for forgiving me and taking me as your child.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!