For those people who have read the Bible from cover to cover know the story of Abraham and how He was promised by God to have a family seed that would be like the stars of the heavens. His faith was unlike others in his time, that is why angels and even the Lord appeared unto him. Speaking of that faith, it is likened unto ours in the generation after Christ up until now. But before we can look at the type of faith that Christians have now, we must first look at our father Abraham’s faith. It is written, “therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God. (Romans 4:16-20) In his day, people relied on their faith and hope in God. Even in God’s promises for His people. It even says that as Abraham was getting old and ready to die that his faith was still strong in the Lord, while continuing to give glory to God. This is faith unto salvation in his time.
As for believers in the New Testament church, we continue to have hope in God and remain faithful to Him until we die. However, there are also a few new things that we do that they did not. And these next few verses will help you know what they are. The verses continue speaking about Abraham and then on us. It is written that Abraham, “being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.” (Romans 4:21-25) Now, remember how Abraham fully believed in God’s promises. This very belief was imputed upon him for righteousness. Praise God. As for us, the way that God’s righteousness is imputed upon us is through Jesus. If people would just believe that He died for their sins and also rose from the dead, this simple belief would change their whole view about everything. Even their very walk upon this earth would change and slowly their desires would be conformed to God’s will also. It is my prayer that you understand that Jesus died for you and me. Our sins are washed in His blood the day that we confess our sins and come unto Him. We are justified through His blood, and those that endure in their faith in Christ have God’s righteousness imputed upon them. This is unto salvation, where His people have no fear come death.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, I pray that we will all gain the type of faith that never runs dry. That our hope in Your promises will remain until the end of our days. A faith in You, Jesus. We accept Your sacrifice for sins and come unto You now. And Lord, I pray that if people’s faith is not strong now, that it will increase and not die off. If people’s faith is on the verge of deteriorating, I pray that something happens that will spark new life into them. Sometimes we need a jolt of lightning to wake us up to the knowledge of our sins. And I pray for these lost souls, and for more boldness to go and talk to them. We are Your light in this darkened world, and I pray that more people will shine brightly, that people will see them and glorify You, God, in the heavens. Lord, help us know who needs to hear Your gospel message of hope and who is not ready. Time is a ticking on this earth and we do not know when it is will be our last day or others. Therefore, with urgency do we do Your will on earth as it is in heaven. We ask that You would have Your way in our lives and the lives we touch. Help us to know the things we ought to be doing, day in and day out, that will please You, Lord, and my King. I pray that what I am up to now is respectful to Your best wishes for us God. And if there is anything that needs to be removed from my life and others, make those things obviously aware to us. I will change for Your sake, especially since You are leading me in a way that I ought to live. I love You, Lord. I give You praise. Amen.
