Bob Hoekstra :: Day By Day By Grace :: August 4th Once More on Gods Promises and Gods Law Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did. (Romans 4:16-17) We can have great certainty concerning the fulfillment of Gods promises, because grace and faith are the foundation of our assurance. Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed. Grace is the heavenly resource behind all of Gods promises. Faith is the simple means of accessing that grace. These realities make Gods promises certain to all who believe them, whether Jew (not only to those who are of the law) or Gentile (but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham). This is how Abraham related to Gods promises. Thereby, he became the spiritual leader for all who would follow His example: who is the father of us all (as it is written, I have made you a father of many nations) in the presence of Him whom he believed. The true and living God, whom Abraham believed, makes two declarations here that strengthen our assurance in His promises. First, He is a God who gives life to the dead. Consider the impact this attribute has on our confidence in Gods promises. Often, the promises of God must overcome death (or deadening circumstances) in order to be fulfilled. The promise that Lazarus would live again was given while his dead body was lying in a tomb. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live (John 11:25). Often, the deadness of our own circumstances wants to challenge the certitude of Gods promises. Yet, the God who has made to us a multitude of promises is the God who gives life to the dead. Second, our God of promises is one who calls those things which do not exist as though they did. We are not yet personally righteous (in any intrinsic sense). Yet, God calls us righteous (justified, declared righteous in Christ). Whom He called, these He also justified (Romans 8:30a). We are not yet glorified (experientially). Yet, God speaks of our glorification as already accomplished. Whom He justified, these He also glorified (Romans 8:30b). What a joy to know that our God of promises will bring to pass eventually that which He promises prophetically. Lord, my heart is comforted, and my faith is strengthened by the undeniable certainty of Your promises. Death or deadness cannot prevent Your keeping of Your promises. Any lack of existence cannot keep You from bringing forth what You declare as real. What blessed assurance is available through Your promises—by grace through faith!
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:48:13 +0000
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