Romans 4 - Faith

Romans 4 focuses on the difference between the ideas of being justified by works and justified by faith. Paul gives a pretty simple explanation to begin with - "Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness." Just to make sure you understand..... When you go to work, you are a paid a certain amount of money. Your employer owes it to you once you have completed the work. Paul is saying that it is the same with our salvation - we have not (can not) work so that our salvation is owed to us - we must believe, because God is giving it to us as a gift (this is why we cannot be prideful - we haven't done anything for it).

Citing the example of Abraham, Paul points out that righteousness was extended to Abraham through faith before he had any 'works' to claim. The specific example used is circumcision. Abraham was credited righteousness before he was circumcised - not after or as a result of his circumcision. Quick side-note here.... every translation that I have states that righteousness was credited to Abraham. It makes me think of a credit card and how it works - A company extends you credit - they essentially give you money to spend and because they have given this money to you, you now work to pay it back. So, the idea is that God has given us His righteousness - ultimately we owe Him our lives (not that He is expecting repayment because He isn't). The point is that our 'works' should be motivated because of the righteousness He has given us - not to receive righteousness from Him. So often I get it backwards. I work because I should - because its expected, not because God loved me enough to send His Son to die for me. The change in perspective opens me up to be merciful and gracious toward everyone I come across.

Moving on....

Here is what really got my attention in this chapter. Still using the example of Abraham, Paul says, "In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken. "So shall your descendants be." Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb. YET with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith giving glory to God and being fully assured that what God had promised He was able also to perform. Therefore it was also credited to him as righteousness." The way I would have read the story in Genesis would be to say that Abraham didn't trust God to fulfill His promise, but this clearly states that isn't true. What I think is beautiful is that we have the ability to question God - so say, "I do not have any idea at all how You are going to pull this out" and that that does not negate your faith. We don't need to understand. We just need to believe that God is able to do what He has promised - And He Always Is!!!! This is what makes my relationship with God so real and tangible - I don't need to put on act and come to Him on my best behavior, flattering Him with foolish words. I need to come exactly as I am - angry, thankful, in awe, frustrated, hurt, excited, etc. etc. etc. Talk it out - give it to Him - if I feel ungrateful, give that up too. He is the only one that can draw these thoughts and feelings out and replace them with the filling of His Holy Spirit.

So that's it - Trust God - Believe in Him - not to obtain righteousness, but because He has already given it to You - And know, always know that He is able to perform what He has promised!!!!