Righteousness that Comes Through Faith—Romans 4:13

“It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith” (Romans 4:13)

Paul stresses that nothing Abraham did is what earned him this promise from God that the world would be blessed through him (Gen. 12:2-3).

It’s also important to remember that the “law” Paul refers to was given to Moses 430 years after Abraham. Therefore, this promise had to come by another way.


This isn’t a one-time decision. Instead, this is a daily choice to trust in God’s faithfulness toward us.
 

Paul goes on to say in the next verses that it’s a good thing the promise came by faith, otherwise if those who lived by the law are heirs, then the promise is worthless! (Rom. 4:14) Because the law only unleashed God’s wrath on mankind (Rom. 4:15), not His blessing.

This is important for us to remember because like those who came before us, we can relate to God in one of two ways: 1) trying to earn our way, being good, following the rules or 2) trusting in God's kindness toward us, while knowing we can never be good enough or do enough right things.

But this isn’t a one-time decision. Instead, this is a daily choice to trust in God’s faithfulness toward us. We have to trust that we are acceptable because He offers it freely in Jesus (Rom. 5:1-2).

When do you find yourself trying to earn God’s favor?

Take a moment to thank God that Jesus provided you a way to have favor with Him by faith alone.

Original article published July 5, 2009.

 

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Juli Camarin

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