Thursday, July 18

THURSDAY, JULY 18, 2019

"It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.  For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath.  And where there is no law there is no transgression.

"Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham.  He is the father of us all.  As it is written: 'I have made you a father of many nations.'  He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not." (Romans 4:13-17)

Paul continues the great exposition of the Gospel's mysteries in Romans 4.  Having explained that God has made possible a righteousness that come by faith in Jesus Christ "to all who believe," Paul expands into a reflection on how Abraham provides an example of receiving this righteousness through faith:  God credited Abraham's faith as "righteousness."  Despite his humanity and shortcomings, Abraham became God's friend by faith.

Paul interweaves a further discussion of the insufficiency of "earning" God's acceptance through the law.  Rather, the law makes us conscious of sin and points us towards God by highlighting our need for grace.  The law's fixed standards show our shortcomings.  A rational analysis of our lives leads to the inevitable conclusion that we have sinned and fallen short of God's standards.

If this realization ended the story, however, we would be left in despair.  Nonetheless, the Gospel's promise of righteousness by faith brings tremendous hope and freedom.  This offer comes through the completed work of Christ on the cross—open to all and effective for "all who believe."

Paul reinforces, too, that Abraham's becoming a father of many nations would tie to his faith, not just to human offspring.  God's redemptive power would bring life to the dead:  both in terms of (1) an elderly Abraham and a barren Sarah, giving them children, and (2) those who would repent of their sin and receive Christ as Lord.

How have you experienced this newness of life?  How has the redemptive work of Christ brought joy into your life?  How could you give thanks for this redemptive joy and power today?

Lord God, thank You for bringing life to the dead.  Thank You that, through Your Son, we may receive righteousness by faith and be able to draw near to You.  Help us to share this message of unending joy and amazing love with a hurting, broken world.  Sharpen our mind's eye to see the full effects of Your redemptive power in our lives.  In Jesus's mighty Name, amen.