Footsteps # 45

Abraham was a central figure in Judaism. To a Jew he was the prototype of obedience and that he was declared righteous because of that obedience. He forsook his homeland, accepted circumcision, and was even willing to sacrifice his own son. Surely, he was justified by his works? Paul, however, turns the tables by referring to Abraham (nine times) as an example of faith instead of law-keeping. He quotes Gen.15:6. Abraham’s faith was “counted . . . to him for righteousness”? Whereas justification was a metaphor taken from the legal world, the word counted, or reckoned, is a metaphor drawn from the domain of business. It can mean “to credit” or “to place something to one’s account.” Not only is it used regarding Abraham in Galatians 3:6, but it occurs another 11 times in connection with the patriarch. According to Paul’s metaphor, what is placed into our accounts is righteousness. The question is, however, on what basis does God count us as righteous. No matter what Paul’s opponents said about Abraham’s obedience, Scripture says that it was because of Abraham’s faith that God counted him as righteous. The Bible is clear: Abraham’s obedience was not grounds for his justification; it was, instead, the result. He didn’t do the things he did in order to be justified; he did them because he already was justified. Justification leads to obedience, not vice versa. Dwell on what this means—that you are justified not by anything you do but only by what Christ has done for you. That is a liberating thought! You need to make that truth your own, through all your struggles on the road of faith.

The covenant with Abraham was based on God’s one side “I will” promise (Gen.12:1-3) Abraham promises nothing. This is the opposite of how most people try to relate to God. We usually promise we will serve Him if only He will do something for us in return. But that is legalism. God did not ask Abraham to promise anything but to accept His promises by faith. The call of Abraham illustrates, therefore, the essence of the gospel, which is salvation by faith. Hallelujah!