Post by Woody Williams on Feb 22, 2008 7:57:56 GMT -5
Text for the Day -- Romans 4:1-8
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What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according
to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something
to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say?
‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’
Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as
something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies
the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David
speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness
irrespective of works:
‘Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.’
Devotional
----------
Justification by faith is a central theme in the Scriptures. We
cannot make ourselves right with God based on our works, even if they
are good, because we have this bent of rejection, rebellion and
resistance toward God. God has given us a promise in Christ that he
will receive us as righteous and we trust that promise and live in
it. Be open to God's desire to work in you and for you.
Prayer
--------------
Strengthen my faith to trust in your word of promise for me, O Lord.
Amen
----------
What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according
to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something
to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say?
‘Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.’
Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as
something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies
the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David
speaks of the blessedness of those to whom God reckons righteousness
irrespective of works:
‘Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.’
Devotional
----------
Justification by faith is a central theme in the Scriptures. We
cannot make ourselves right with God based on our works, even if they
are good, because we have this bent of rejection, rebellion and
resistance toward God. God has given us a promise in Christ that he
will receive us as righteous and we trust that promise and live in
it. Be open to God's desire to work in you and for you.
Prayer
--------------
Strengthen my faith to trust in your word of promise for me, O Lord.
Amen