Read Romans 4 Justification by Faith Illustrated

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. (Romans 4:3 NKJV)

Have you got someone who informed you that a sum of money is monthly deposited into your account without you doing anything and you are free to live on it? Many of us do whether from our loved ones or the States. That's what God did for Abraham.

God called Abraham to leave his land of Ur. His parents were idolaters. By faith Abraham left not knowing where he was going. God promised him a son even when he and Sarah were beyond child bearing age. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. (Romans 4:20-21)He holds on to God's promise and God imputed him the righteousness that comes by faith. This was done before his circumcision and the law. He was thus justified by faith.

The Jews took righteousness on the basis of circumcision and doing the works according to the law (Romans 10:31). Paul was stressing on faith in God that makes one righteous or justified rather than work as there is no one righteous. For Abraham the law was not yet given and circumcision was not yet instructed.

We are of Abraham's seed by faith (Romans 4:16). Abraham did not do anything to become the father of faith and of all nations. He simply receives the promise. It's was a covenant of grace not work.

Therefore He who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you, does He do it by the works of the law, or by the hearing of faith? just as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. (Galatians 3:5-7, 9)

Prayer: Lord You are my righteousness. I stand justified before Father God. I am living with the righteousness I have by faith.

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