Short But Mighty Daily Manna

TUESDAY, 28 MARCH 2023

TEXT: Romans 4:1-12

1. WHAT shall we say that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found?

2. For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.

3. For what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness.

4. Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

5. But to him that works not, but believes on Him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

6. Even as David also describes the blessedness of the man, to whom God imputes righteousness without works.

7. Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

8. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

9. Comes the blessedness then upon the circumcision only, only or upon the uncircumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

10. How was it then reckoned? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

11. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also:

12. And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

(King James Version Easy Reading Holy Bible)

TOPIC: THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM (I)

It is natural for human beings to demand that nothing goes for free. That is why many people in the Church today strongly believe that a believer can lose his/her salvation.

This view is influenced by Islamic and traditional African theologies which teach that salvation must be earned. The Jews strongly believed that salvation was only possible through the good works prescribed in the Law and prided themselves in being called the children of Abraham.

So Paul took time to explain to them that salvation is only possible by faith. He showed them that Abraham was justified not by the works of the Law, but by faith in God: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (verse 3).

If Abraham was considered the friend of God and father of the covenant relationship God had with the Jews and yet required to believe God as a means of his salvation, who then can be declared righteous without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6).

QUESTION: Are you sure that your transgressions are forgiven because you believe in the Lord Jesus Christ as your Saviour?

PRAYER: Thank You, Lord Jesus Christ, because by faith I have been accepted and my sins forgiven. Amen.