November 20, 2008

The Promise Was through the Righteousness of Faith

“[Does] this blessedness then [come] upon the circumcised [only], or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had while still] uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only [are] of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham [had while still] uncircumcised. For the promise that he would be the heir of the world [was] not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law [are] heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law [there is] no transgression. Therefore [it is] of faith that [it might be] according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all” (Romans 4:9-16 NKJV)

Paul makes a critical point when he points out the promise to Abraham and his seed was not through law. Later he is going to explain how God has kept His promise to Israel because they are not all Israel who are Israel.

“But it is not that the word of God has taken no effect. For they [are] not all Israel who [are] of Israel, nor [are they] all children because they are the seed of Abraham; but, "In Isaac your seed shall be called." That is, those who [are] the children of the flesh, these [are] not the children of God; but the children of the promise are counted as the seed.” (Romans 9:6-8 NKJV)

The point is it doesn’t matter if you were born an Israelite, an American, or a child of Christian parents salvation is by faith. God has graciously elected the children of promise from the foundation of the world. They enter into salvation by faith in Christ regardless of their ancestry. 

This means that salvation is open to all who will call upon the name of the Lord in faith. Of course, faith comes by grace as a gift of God, but there is no wall of partition between you and God. What keeps you from coming is your own unrepentant heart. You would rather have your sin than God’s mercy. I speak to those who are near the kingdom.

Obviously, you are seeking peace or you wouldn’t be reading this devotion. Cast off your lusts and throw yourself upon the mercy of God. “For whoever calls on the name of the LORD shall be saved.” (Romans 10:13 NKJV)

If you are a child of the King, then praise Him for your salvation was wrought from eternity past. Our mighty God who predestined us to salvation, marvelously brought it to fruition, and will with the same assurance glorify those who remain faithful because He promised to do so. Amen.