The Faith of Abraham In Romans chapter four, Paul lays out the case that our salvation is based on faith, not works.
What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Romans 4:1-3
Paul is telling us that the fulfillment of the promise to Abraham was NOT based on Abraham's performance, rather it was based on his faith in God - "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."
See, if our righteousness is based on our performance, we're in trouble. I like to think of myself as a good person, but I wouldn't bet my eternal salvation on my good character, and neither should you. But here's the thing, our salvation isn't dependent on our performance, it's based on God's performance! When God promises something, it's going to happen, and here's why:
Truth #1 - God's promises aren't based on our character, or our ability, rather they're based on God's character and ability.
"The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, keeping steadfast love for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation." Exodus 34:6-7
Truth #2: Because God's nature is holy, He cannot lie, His nature is unchanging, He will never change His mind, He'll never go back on His promises.
God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Numbers 23:19
Truth #3: The fulfillment of God's promises are not dependent on our faithfulness to Him – but on God's faithfulness to His own promise!
If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself. 2 Tim 2:13
When we place our faith in Jesus Christ, the promise of Abraham becomes active in our life, "In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed" (Gen 22:18), and we can trust that God will deliver on His promise, every time!
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 4:16 "Lord, thank you that because I have believed in Your Son, I now have the promise of Abraham active in my life. Help me always remember that my standing with You is based on my faith, and not my works."
Pastor Clay | 
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