Romans 4:1-8
New International Version
Abraham Justified by Faith
4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a]4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a]4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7“Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”[b]
Monday - November 8
In Genesis 12, 15 and 17, God appeared to a man named Abram and made him a promise. God chose Abram. The Bible does not give us a reason why God chose Abram and there is a reason for that. The reason God chose Abram without giving a reason for why was because there was no reason why. Abram did nothing to earn God’s favor or blessing. Instead, God made a promise and that promise created faith in Abraham. In Genesis 15 God reaffirmed the promise and Abram believed God. Gen. 15:6 says, “6 And he believed the Lord, and he counted it to him as righteousness.” You have received that same personal promise of blessing, forgiveness and salvation in your baptism! And over and over again in Holy Communion. God’s promise is for you and when we trust that promise we are made righteous.