May 23, 2021: SOAP #4189: 2Chron 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4  (From 5/23/2010)

SCRIPTURE:  Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring-not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

OBSERVATION: Here is the summation.  Here is the principle.  Here is the heart of the matter.  Here is the hope.  Here is where we have security.  The promise to us is given by grace; it is received by faith.  It comes from the gracious hand of a loving Heavenly Father.  It is received as a gift with the hands of faith.  We are assured of our possession because we have confidence in the One who made the promise! 

We are justified freely by His grace! For a gift to fulfill its purpose it must be both given and received.  God, the Giver, in grace gives His Word.  Man, the receiver, in faith receives the gift.

If justification was given based on works, one could never be secure.  How many works would it take to earn this cleanliness? Who would ever know whether they had done enough?  What if some of our works were given less value in heaven than we give them on earth?  If 500 good works were needed, would not it be a shame if we only had 499?  If 1000 were needed, it would be a shame if we ended up with only 998! 

The Bible tells us that our righteousness is like filthy rags.  In comparison with heaven’s bright shining perfect righteousness, ours looks a dingy yellow.  I remember taking what I thought was a white piece of paper and laying it my desk close to a white piece of paper.  Then I saw that the first was not white at all.  In comparison to its surroundings, it first appeared white.  In comparison to whiteness, it was shown for what it really was.  It was obvious. We need a righteous that passes heaven’s standard, not one compared to the world around us. 

APPLICATION:  Heaven’s righteousness is only available to me from heaven.  It is only given through God’s grace.  It is only received through faith.  That is the way Abraham received justification.  That is the way I receive justification.  I must come in faith, believing that when I pray, He will hear me and forgive me just as He promised!

PRAYER: Lord, thank you for forgiving me!  Thank you for providing for me what I could not provide for myself, eternal life!  Amen.

Pastor Leon   
Making friends for time and eternity!