What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
Abraham was revered by the Jews. He started their nation and famously left his homeland to follow God to unknown lands. He waited patiently to have a son in old age and then was willing to give that son up. If you look at his accomplishments it would be easy to view them in the light of good works. If perfection wasn’t now attainable (for all have sinned), some of the Jews might have shot for an Abraham-like life by trying harder not to sin and to live up to God’s standards in the law. They forget that at the time that Abraham lived, there was no written laws for the Jewish people. And they forget that Abraham was plucked out of a worldly culture to start the Jewish nation. I have heard some wonder if after Isaac was born to Abraham, he doted over him so much, his relationship with his son might have gotten in front of his relationship with God. It is possible, but we just don’t know because the Bible doesn’t tell us. We do know he was a sinner, just like you and me. And his righteousness had nothing to do with his works. He was declared righteous, or righteousness was credited to him, because of his faith only. Paul makes a good point here. Workers earn a wage and are paid. They have an employment contract. It is structured to typically be fair. So the question for you and me is this: Do we want a contractual, shallow relationship with God, like that of a worker to a boss? Or do we want a more intimate, personal relationship with the Almighty God?
God may reward people on earth for good works. He set society and cultures up to do just that. But he treasures the hearts that are fully committed to following him. He dwells with His People who live and obey him “by faith”.
Lord, so thankful today! Thank you for this clarity on what you desire in a relationship with me. I surrender my heart to you. I cannot work hard enough to earn your favor. The harder I try, it seems like the less progress I make. But you, in your mercy and grace, love me so much. You have opened the pathway to an intimate relationship with you. That way is Jesus Christ. I must believe in him and his perfect life, sacrifice, resurrection, and ascension into Heaven, as the ruler of all things. And I must follow his lead and make him Lord. Thank you for making this way so clear. May your FAITHFULNESS REIGN in my heart today!
