Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
May 23, 2025: SOAP #5650: 2Chronicles 6, 7; Psalm 135; Romans 4

Note: A continuation from Romans 4. 

SCRIPTURE: and OBSERVATION:   
Romans (NIV) 4  Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.

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!

5  However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

Here is a good place to insert a thought about works.  Works are not unimportant.  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 faith; they come as a response to faith.  Works are what we do out of appreciation for the grace we have already received by faith.

Faith must have a sure foundation.  When our faith is in God and His work for our salvation, we receive the blessings of God’s righteousness credited to our account.  In God’s eyes, we become righteous.  Our sins are forgiven; our lives are cleansed.  We are justified!  We are made “just as if I’d” never sinned!  Amazing!  It is only through faith that I possess what I could never earn.

APPLICATION:   Sometimes it seems that it is too good to be true.  Salvation is a gift!  We could never earn it, but we can receive it by faith.  And the more we understand how hopelessly we were lost; the more we understand that Jesus is the sinless Son of God; the more we understand how much He left to die on a cross as payment for our sins; the more we understand what He is preparing for us—then the more we appreciate our salvation. 

If you love Him today, just wait until you know Him better; you will love Him more!  Indeed, He is worthy of all my love and service!  

PRAYER:  Lord, my heart overflows with appreciation as I reconsider the truth above.  My eyes overflow with tears.  I love you, Jesus!  Amen

Pastor Leon
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