The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Romans 4:23-24 NIV
With these words, Paul reminds his readers of God crediting the patriarch Abraham’s faith as righteousness. Abraham was seventy-five years old when introduced in the book of Genesis. His name was Abram and he descended from Shem, Noah’s first born son. After some time, God changes his name to Abraham which means “father of many.” In his late life, God makes a series of promises to Abraham that would test anyone’s ability to believe.
Asking Abraham to leave his homeland, God promises to give his offspring the land of Canaan although Abraham, eighty-five years old, had no children at the time. In addition, God promised to bless Abraham and make his name great. Also, The Lord promised to bless those who bless Abraham and curse those who cursed him while promising to make Abraham a blessing to the world.
God Keeps His Word
God fulfilled each of these promises in time. Abraham and his wife Sarah have their first son, Isaac, when Abraham was one hundred years of age. Further, his name is great as he is known as father Abraham to Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The plagues of Egypt testify to the curse that befalls those who oppose Abraham’s descendants.
The greatest fulfillment of God’s promises comes with the birth of Jesus our Lord and Savior. Addressing those who oppose him, Jesus says in John 5:39, “You search the Scriptures, because you think that in them you have eternal life; and these are they which testify about me. WEB” With these words, Jesus reveals himself as the promised Messiah. He is the blessing to the world promised to Abraham.
In Romans, Paul reminds his readers that God credited Abraham’s faith as righteousness and asserts that the same is true for those who place their faith in Christ. Additionally, Paul writes in Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his offspring. He doesn’t say, ‘To descendants’, as of many, but as of one, ‘To your offspring’ which is Christ. WEB”
Jesus our Lord fulfilled God’s promise to Abraham to bless all nations through him. As God credits Abraham’s faith as righteousness, we too, as Chrstians are credited with righteousness through our belief in Jesus Christ.
Abraham’s Offspring
Paul’s words to the Romans emphasize the promises made to Abraham. The apostle writes in Galatians 3:29, “If you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s offspring and heirs according to promise. WEB” Through Christ, we are adopted into the family of God and of Abraham, receiving the inheritance of eternal life from God who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.
Whenever we encounter situations that seem impossible for us to overcome in our natural understanding, let’s remember this. We serve the God of Abraham. Our heavenly Father specializes in making what seems impossible for men, possible for those who put their faith in him.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for accepting me into your holy family by faith. Thank you for keeping your promises. Lead me away from temptation and into your will for my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Light of Life
