Tag: Romans 4:19-25
Faith counted as righteousness
Scripture reading for June 18: Romans 4
“He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in Him Who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, Who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.” Romans 4:19-25
Paul was a Jew and a Pharisee who knew the Old Testament Scriptures and used them often to teach believers, both Jew and Gentile, concerning how to become right with God (righteousness). Paul used Abraham’s faith to believe for a son as an example for all. Abraham was not circumcised when God gave him the promise of offspring as numerous as the stars of heaven. (Genesis 15:5-6) But Abraham believed God’s promise. By faith Abraham gave glory to God and worshipped Him. Although looking at his own body and that of his wife brought a conclusion that they were past child bearing ability, Abraham chose to trust that God could bring about what He had promised. Abraham had ‘resurrection’ faith that God would resurrect his own body’s ability to procreate and that of his aged wife also. Faith brought results.
Paul used this example to encourage Jewish and Greek believers that God was still doing the same thing. God had provided that by faith in Jesus Christ the promises forgiveness of sins and the gift of eternal life for those that would believe would be fulfilled. Through faith it was ‘counted as righteousness’ for Abraham and the God Who never changes because He is holy will ‘count it for righteousness’ for anyone who places faith in Jesus Christ and His promise of eternal life! Amen!
Have you ever tried to work for a place in God’s kingdom? Did you ever have doubts about whether you had done enough or that God was pleased with your efforts? How does receiving righteousness as a gift through simply believing God help you to have confidence?
Prayer: Father God, thank You for Paul’s detailed teaching of Scripture explaining the way of faith. I hear Your promise of righteousness given or counted to me by trusting in Jesus Christ and choose to place my faith in Your Son and His ability to do what is promised. I rest in this truth and receive grace daily. Amen.