By Faith Alone

Romans 4 reminds us that salvation is granted by faith, not by works, which is interesting because just last week, Exodus 39 brought up the same topic. In the letter, Paul refers to Abraham as an example. He is seen as a forefather, which in a way represents the entire family line down.

Paul gets right to it, reinforcing the fact that it is believing the gospel, confessing one's sins that turns and redeems you from death. Once again, the idea of circumcision is brought up in verses 9-12, Paul tells us that Abraham was saved before he was circumcised. This act didnt make any difference towards his salvation, but instead it was a sign, a symbol that "seals" his faith (v. 11), similar to how we see baptism today.

It is only be grace that we are saved, as said in a previous post, we can never do work to gain this gift of salvation. If you look at it from a worldly view, if you were to do works to be saved, it would be as if you were bribing a judge to help you get out of the punishment you deserved. We need righteousness, and we need to be justified. This requires faith and repentance.

One may think, "sure, i'll just believe and be saved, that's simple enough", but there is a distinct and clear difference between one who has true faith and one with false faith. The one who truly believes will bear good fruit, in obedience, in thanksgiving, in praise and in worship, where as the one who is a false believer will not, turning back to their old ways.

Salvation is granted by faith.
Do you believe?
Do you truly believe?
Are you bearing good fruit in the name of the Lord?

verse of the day: Romans 5:1

1 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,