NOTE: For the next few SOAPs, I believe the Lord would have me change the format. I am concerned about the many new believers who have committed their lives to Jesus but have no copy of the Bible and may not have a knowledgeable leader from which to learn. So, I will be using a longer passage of scripture, with each verse followed by an observation from a commentary I wrote years ago. I will continue with more verses from the same passage for several consecutive days. Below is Romans 4:2&3.
SCRIPTURE: and OBSERVATION: Romans (NIV) 4:2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.
If it had been possible that Abraham could have worked hard enough to stand before God completely righteous, then he would indeed have had something about which to boast. He would have been able to do what no man had ever done before or has ever since been able to do. Ever since sin entered the picture it has been impossible for man to stand by himself before God. The best we can offer is like dirty rags in comparison to God’s perfect holiness.
Abraham would not have been able to boast before God, because God judges perfectly and knows how far short our works come in purchasing the righteousness needed to stand before a holy God. He would have never been able to boast before God!
3 What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
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.
APPLICATION: Forgiveness and salvation have been provided by the death of Jesus on the cross. In grace, they are offered to us. We reach out with arms of faith to acknowledge that we receive them. (Ephesians 2:8-9) Believing in our heart and confessing with our mouth! Becoming God’s child is as simple as that! (Romans 10: 9-10) Now I begin to live like it is true, because it is!
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, thank you for sending your Son, Jesus, to die for my sins. I receive Jesus to be my LORD. I receive His forgiveness. I now set my life to live in honor of what you have done for me. Amen
Pastor Leon
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