Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Reforming Church

Romans 4: 1-8

I’m sure all of us are familiar with how our finances operate in this culture.  But if we’re living paycheck to paycheck or, if for some reason the amount of our paycheck is decreased or our expenses increase, then there is going to be a whole lot of stress about our finances. That model seems to have greatly influenced how many people view the way God deals with us. Many believe when they did something “good”, He would make a deposit on their behalf and credit their account. Conversely every time they did something “bad”, God would make a withdrawal and debit their account. They assumed that if their deposits were greater than their withdrawals at the end of their life, even if only by a little bit, then they would earn their way into heaven. A recent study by the Barna Group found that 72% of the people surveyed believe that it is possible for someone to earn their way into heaven by their good behavior.  Even nearly one half of those who identify themselves as Christians believe that; it is possible to earn one’s salvation through good deeds. However, the fundamental truth based on Romans chapter 4 is that we are accepted by God through our Faith in Him and not through our deeds or good works. In Romans chapter 4; Paul demonstrates Two Important Words: Justified—to be completely accepted by God. Credited—to compute or to calculate. This word is used 11 times in Romans chapter 4. 

How can I be Accepted by God? We are not acceptable to God by doing Good Works! Vs. 1-8. Vs 2—Not by bragging! You will not find yourself worth in achievements or accomplishments! In Romans chapter 4; Paul reaches back to Abraham to illustrate the way how justification in the gospel functions. Abraham was not justified by works, because if he were he would have something to boast about. This, in fact is always the problem with works; they can’t save because they give us something to brag about. If we are boasting, we aren’t clinging to God’s grace. How did Abraham become righteous? Not by circumcision or the law. Abraham believed God and because of that he was credited with righteousness. God told Abraham something and Abraham took him at His Word. That’s the essence of Biblical Faith. Abraham wasn’t saved simply by believing something, but by believing God. Faith is merely a channel to get to its object. It doesn’t matter how sincere or passionate your faith is if the object is wrong. Romans 4: 4-5-Salvation is not just a transaction; it comes to the one who does not work; the one who believes on him; who declares the ungodly to be righteous (4:5). It’s a gift from God. If you just reach out with your heart and take it then its yours. But if you work for it, you dismiss the gift and treat it as a wage that is earned. One day many people will stand before God and list their credentials; I worked my head off; I helped the needy; I went to church every Sunday; I read my Bible; But God will not grant salvation as something owed (Romans 4;4; Eph 2: 8-9). Romans 4: 6-8-The Jews revered Abraham as the father of their faith, but Paul brings in an additional witness to solidify his case. David, Israel’s greatest king also wrote God crediting righteousness apart from works (Romans 4: 6). Quoting from the psalms, Paul shows that assurance of salvation comes from the knowledge that lawless acts are forgiven, and sins are covered (Romans 4: 7). Sins are not overcome by hard work and lawless acts are not outweighed by good deeds. God does the justification, and we simply believe it and receive. Further Jesus paid in full our sin debt. He died so that we could live his life. He took our sin so that we could take on His righteousness. Jesus was forsaken that we might never be forsaken. 
 
Prayer
Jesus died for me in my place; Lord, such love for me is too difficult to understand. Thank you Jesus my savior for dying my death; so that I can live your life today. In Jesus name Amen.
 
Thought for the day
How long has it been since you have tasted the forgiveness of God through Jesus Christ. Don’t rush past that question…think about it. How much more do you need to forgive someone else today?
 
Dr Vino John Daniel

Christian Education Forum, Diocese of NAE of the Mar Thoma Church

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