March 17, 2006

 

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

 

--Romans 4:1-3

 

The great principle that Paul is trying to illustrate here is justification by faith. He taught that salvation is by faith alone—not faith including good deeds, church attendance, or moral character. Faith in Jesus Christ is all you need for salvation!

 

We cannot save ourselves because our sin prohibits us from reaching God’s holy standards. Abraham was a good and moral man, but he was only saved through his faith.

 

Consider this acrostic for FAITH:

  • F is for facts. You must understand the facts of God’s Word.
  • A is for affirmation. There must be an affirmation of those facts in your mind.
  • I is for internalization. You internalize God’s Word in your heart.
  • T is for trust. This means to simply trust God every day in every way.
  • H is for hope. Because of faith, you have a hope in Jesus Christ and eternal life with Him.

 

The fact is you and I can live trying to gain God’s favor. But we can never perform enough to earn His acceptance and approval. Like Abraham, we must believe in God to be declared righteous.

 

FAITH IN JESUS CHRIST IS ALL YOU NEED FOR SALVATION!