W e are saved because the righteousness of our Lord Jesus is imputed on us. This was not a new teaching and Paul illustrated this doctrine with the example of Abraham whom the Jews regarded as the model of faith and godliness. Abraham was the first patriarch and Jews believed that his inherent righteousness moved God to make him the father of His chosen people. In other words, Abraham’s good works earned God’s favour and salvation. However, Abraham was not sinless but despite that, God promised his seed would be as numerous as the stars. God established a covenant with Abraham and placed the obligation to fulfil its promises on Himself [Genesis 15:17]. This covenant would be an everlasting covenant between God and Abraham and all his seed. [Genesis 17:7-8]. He would be their God and Canaan would be their everlasting possession. This covenant was initiated by God and Abraham responded in simple faith, believing God would fulfil everything He promised. God did not save Abraham on the basis of his goodness but on the righteousness of our Lord Jesus, whom God foreknew would die to save sinners one day [Genesis 15:6]. Every person who is saved before or after the advent of our Lord Jesus shares the same faith Abraham had and is saved by the same gift of God’s grace. While Abraham’s physical offspring secured the Promised Land of Canaan, Abraham’s spiritual seed will gain an everlasting heavenly home. Thank God for His matchless grace and mercy to mankind.
LESSON
What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found.
THOUGHT
Thank God we are justified by Him because we cannot justify ourselves.
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