Click this link to hear an audio version of the below text narrated by SOTH member Jerry Rhinehart:
Romans 4:1-8 (NIV)
Abraham Justified by Faith
4 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Grace is a tricky thing to understand. There are very few things in this life that we would consider a truly free gift. Yet, that is what grace is, a gift. To use the fancy, church talk: ‘Grace is God’s unmerited favor’. It is something we do not deserve, yet it is given to use as a gift! By contrast, the reward for work is not considered a gift, it is an obligation. If we accomplish an assigned task, we should expect to be paid. And so, the contrast is great: works lead to payment; God’s grace is a gift. – Perfectly clear, right? Today, consider all the ways that God shows you his grace. Find a post-it note if it’s helpful or create a new list on your phone and start the tally. What items show up on your list of God’s graciousness? A beautiful sunrise, a quiet morning, a free moment or two for devotions, the smile of a friend, a cheerful barista, an opportunity to serve your neighbor, knowledge of God’s forgiveness… What shows up on your list today?