Friday, September 06, 2024

The Vision (9.6.24): Abraham believed God

 


Image: Pond in Louisa, Virginia, September 2024

Note: Devotion based on last Sunday's sermon on Genesis 15.

Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Genesis 15:6 might be one of the most important verses in the Old Testament. It is the first explicit articulation of what the apostle Paul will later teach as justification by faith. Compare:

Romans 4: What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Were there Old Testament saints (believers)? The answer is an emphatic “Yes.” Indeed, Abraham was one. How were such persons saved? Were they saved because they were Hebrews? Because of their righteous works? No. Old Testament saints were saved in the same way that men and women in the New Testament were saved, and in the way God continues to save sinners today. By faith alone in Christ alone.

We might say that Abram looked forward to Christ, his cross, and resurrection. While we who live in the time after the incarnational ministry of our Lord look back upon what God has done for us in Christ.

Sola fide (salvation by faith alone) is present in the Old Testament, as is evident in the experience of Abraham.

Grace and peace, Pastor Jeff Riddle

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