stephen R Harrison

“The One Who Justifies by Faith”

“What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God,

and it was credited to him as righteousness’”.

-Romans 4:3

We have seen how God kept his covenant promise to Abraham, Noah, and David. We serve a God who is faithful even when we are faithless. Because of Abraham’s faith, he was credited righteousness (Genesis 15:6, 22; Romans 4:3). Abraham was told he would be the father of many nations. This was not by Abraham’s works like circumcision. The promise of God’s covenant came before he was circumcised (Romans 4:10). According to Romans 4:11-12, he was circumcised after the covenant as a sign of the righteousness he had by faith while uncircumcised. He was justified and received righteousness by faith, not by works. This is so important to distinguish. We cannot justify ourselves by our good works (Ephesians 2:8-9). Abraham’s righteousness was only God’s work, and Abraham’s faith was in the God who alone could justify. 

Notice that the promise was to be the father of many nations, not just Israel. It was a promise that all who come to Christ in faith, both circumcised and uncircumcised, would be in that number. Romans 4:11-12 tells us he is the father of them both because of faith. As the old Vacation Bible School song goes, “Father Abraham had many sons, and many sons had father Abraham. I am one of them, and so are you. So, let’s just praise the Lord!” The promise of God’s covenant comes by faith (v. 16). It is guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring as he is the father of us all. We are children of the promise to Abraham even though we failed to keep the law! God is faithful when we are faithless. 

A friend recently asked me what a sticker on my laptop meant. It is one verse – “Rev 7:9”. It says, “There before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people, and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” This is the promise to Abraham fulfilled in eternity! Heaven will be filled with not only those from Israel but every nation who has called on the Lord in faith. “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb” (v. 10). 

Anyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved (Romans 10:13). This promise is for anyone – they will not be put to shame (v. 11).  Paul continues, “There is no difference between Jew and Gentile – the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him” (v. 12).

Thank God that our heritage, culture, nationality, skin color, and place in society have no bearing on our salvation – it is solely on faith because of the Lord’s great grace!  Romans 10:16 tells us that not all the Israelites have accepted the Good News. Even though the Jews were obstinate and rejected Jesus as the Messiah, Jesus “wants all to be saved and come to a knowledge of the truth” (1 Timothy 2:4). He wants his house to be full (Luke 14:23). Paul reminds us of God’s covenant promise that even Gentiles (everyone not Jewish) would find the Lord if they reached out to him (Isaiah 65:1; Romans 10:20). Thank you, Jesus, for allowing us to experience your salvation by grace through faith!

Questions: 

How have you tried to justify or work for your salvation?

Why are our works not enough? Why do we need faith?

Prayer:

Jesus, thank you for this season of Lent, which reminds us of your covenant promises. You justified Abraham by faith and do the same for us today. Our best works could never be enough for salvation. Your perfect sacrifice completed the work for salvation on the cross. For that, we are eternally grateful! In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Read: 

Romans 4:1-8, 13-15

Action Step:

List other Scriptures that remind us we are saved by faith, not by works or the Law. Spend time in worship and prayer thanking Jesus for his grace and forgiveness.