May 9, 2024
Read Deuteronomy 23, Proverbs 4, Romans 4
Have you ever thought about what someone in the Old Testament was granted salvation by? After all they did not know about Jesus (for good reason) yet? Although the full revelation of God had not been given yet through Jesus’s incarnation the criteria were the same from the Old and New Testaments. The answer is “by faith.” Paul answers this question in Romans 4 when he discusses the topic with the Christians in Rome.
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” v. 3. It was Abraham’s belief that granted him status as righteous. It was not anything He did or had to earn by following a list of laws. “Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!” v. 10. The circumcision that Abraham obediently followed was because of his faith in God and not to receive faith afterward. The good news is that Paul calls Abraham the father of all who believe. Not just the circumcised Jews, but also for the Gentiles who were not circumcised.
What else stands out to you as you read these chapters? Any words, phrases, repeated ideas?
Add your thoughts below.
DId God Really Say... 