THE RELEVANCE OF ABRAHAM'S JUSTIFICATION -- Tomorrow:
"Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the in circumcision also? For we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in circumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: and the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised." (Romans 4:9-12)
Devotion 23 of 29
RIGHTEOUSNESS IMPUTED TO THEM ALSO
" . . . that righteousness might be imputed unto them also . . . "
Abraham became the father of the faithful in order that righteousness might also be imputed to "them," that is, to those who believe. While Abraham is "the father of us all," our righteousness cannot come from him. It must be personally imputed to us because of our personal faith. It is simply not enough to be associated with Abraham, who was among the greatest of our race.
One of the dreadful effects of sectarianism is the idea that being identified with a particular group brings the approval of God. Thus men banter back and forth about what makes the group unique, thereby guaranteeing it of the blessing of the Lord.
1. For some, the whole matter is form or ritual. To go through the proper procedures is the fundamental thing. If the particular church has managed to preserve the more holy routines, participation in that church makes one acceptable to God.
2. For others, the pattern of the church itself is the real issue. Does it have the proper offices, and does it observe the proper ordinances. Are its servants called b y the proper names, and are the proper people holding its respective offices?
3. Some conceive the creed, or official statement of beliefs, to be the primary thing. A precise statement of what is officially believed is perceived as outweighing everything else.
4. Still others feel the outstanding matter is the day on which believers gather together. Some insist it is the Sabbath, or seventh day, while others contend it is the first day of the week. The Sabbatarians place a greater stress on this matter.
5. Certain groups accent human experience – visible and audible experience. They state what they perceive to be the fundamental blessing, binding it upon all others. It generally has to do with people being overpowered by God. Such people seem to give no thought to the dreadful condition of a person who must be knocked down by God to be blessed.
6. There are also those who make the attire and occupations of the believer the primary marks of distinction. They rally around their perception, and are actually known more for how they look than their affiliation with God.
This is only a sampling of the types of distinctions that presently exist among believers. There are varying degrees of dogmatism and tolerance in all of them, but they are all held to be critical issues.
NOT TO BE MISUNDERSTOOD
These observations are not to be construed as meaning these matters have no relevance at all, or that how we feel about them is of no consequence. It is not intended to be a sort of scoffing at something perceived to be ignorant and unlearned.
What I am endeavoring to show is the sharp conflict between these approaches and that of our text. Remember, we are at the foundation level, showing what brings men into true accord with the Living God, through Christ, and by the Spirit.
The argument is that being righteous in God's eyes IS the point! Nothing else makes any difference whatsoever if the individual is not righteous. Furthermore, no one can be righteous unless he is MADE righteous. As it is written, "For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be MADE RIGHTEOUS" (Rom 5:19). That can ONLY come through faith, for it is faith that is "counted as righteousness." The premier example of this has been given, and is being expounded. Abraham "believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness" (Gen 15:6; Rom 4:3,9,22; Gal 3:6; James 2:23).
PRAYER POINT: Father, in the name of Jesus, deliver me from the power of lesser things.