ROMANS 4
What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”– Romans 4:1-8
ROMANS 4 GOD’S GRACE PRODUCES FAITH
A poem by ILMA inspired by these verses
When God pours his mercy and grace to mankind
It is out of his love that he gave his only Begotten Son
When you believe in Jesus Christ, you are receiving his grace
It will produce a faith inside your heart that will keep you amazed.
In this letter, Paul explains to the Romans the difference between work and faith. He reminds us of the story of Abraham who became righteous because of his faith. He became the father of all nations because of that faith. He didn’t question what God asked him to do, to leave his pagan nation and follow where he led him. God promised him many things that took a while to be fulfilled and it wasn’t necessary in Abraham’s lifetime but he still kept believing in God. Galatians 3:23-29 says that “23 Now before faith came, we were held captive under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith would be revealed. 24 So then, the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith. 25 But now that faith has come, we are no longer under a guardian, 26 for in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. 27 For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. 28 There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slavenor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring, heirs according to promise.
REFLECTION
- How is the concept of faith different from the believers’ view to other religions?
