Monday 16 May 2005

Abram believed God

And he believed in the LORD; and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” - Genesis 15v6

Abram was still not too sure about things after the situation in Sodom and after God assurance that He would protect and provide for him. - “Lord, what are you going to give me ... Lord, you have given me nothing...” At this stage we don't see any great example of faith! Abram was human, just like us. He had doubts and fears about trusting God. Other times we see him act similarly.

Yet, in spite of those fears we see Abram make the most important choice of all. In verse 6 we read a statement which is repeated five times in the New Testament - “Abram believed in the LORD; and He accounted it to him for righteousness.”

These are simple words, but they are of profound importance. Notice that it does not say, “Abram did the best he could...” or, “Abram was very religious in all his ways...” or, “Abram did all that the Lord asked of Him.” No, very simply we read - “Abram believed God...” This simple statement should solve the majority of the theological debates. Most religions are based on what man must “do.” True faith is based on believing what God has done.

What was the result? Was Abram made righteous? The Bible says that God accounted him as righteous. No one s righteous apart from Jesus Christ, but in salvation we can be accounted as righteous in Christ. God's very righteousness is imputed to sinful man. I no longer am trying to please God in my own feeble attempts at righteousness, for now God counts me as righteous.

Thank you Father, for accounting me as righteousness through the precious blood of Your Son! Remind me of that daily and help to believe you in EVERY situation.

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