January 25 Reading: Romans 4:14-22 The promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace, to guarantee it to all the descendants— not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of Abrahams faith. He is the father of us all. Romans 4:16 Id probably get various answers if I asked, Whos the father of the Christian faith? But the apostle Paul cites Abraham as the father of the Jewish nation and of the Christian church. Thats an astounding assertion, but its explained in Romans 4. We cant justify ourselves in Gods sight, for His holiness is infinite and our sinfulness is undeniable. So God became a man who died in our stead. By placing our faith in His finished work, were declared righteous in His sight. Abraham demonstrated this long ago when he was declared righteous through faith on the basis of grace alone (vv. 9-12). The doctrine of justification wasnt a novelty invented by the apostles. Its always been Gods plan. In both Old and New Testament days, everyone is saved by grace through faith. Abraham was saved on the basis of what Christ was going to do on Calvary. We are saved on the basis of what He has now done. It is grace alone and faith alone; and thus Abraham, who first demonstrated this in Genesis 15:6, is the father of us all. He did not waver in unbelief at Gods promise, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God could do what He has promised (Rom. 4:20-21). Thy grace alone, dear Lord, I plead, Thy death is now my life indeed, For Thou hast paid my ransom. —Paul Speratus, 1523 My All in All: Daily Assurance of Gods Grace.
Posted on: Sun, 25 Jan 2015 05:37:39 +0000
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