Saved By Grace: A Lesson from Abraham’s Faith

The Need for Understanding Grace

In our quest for salvation, many need help with the misconception that it is achieved through our works and efforts. This misunderstanding often leads to misplaced pride, a distorted view of our relationship with God, and an inability to grasp the unmerited gift of grace truly. The Bible, particularly in the book of Romans, emphasizes that salvation is not by our actions but God’s grace. To fully appreciate the depth of God’s love, it’s essential to understand how salvation comes through grace by faith.

Unearthing the Problem

The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, provides a compelling case for salvation through faith, drawing on the example of Abraham, the father of faith. In Romans 4, he reveals that God has always justified humanity by grace through faith, not by works or external rituals like circumcision. But what are these works that cannot save us? Works that focus on self-glory (Romans 4:2) miss the mark. Trying to earn salvation through good deeds, like adhering to a strict moral code, can lead to pride and self-righteousness. It’s a dangerous path.

The idea that we can put God in our debt through our actions (Romans 4:4) is another misconception. God’s grace is a gift, not a transaction. We can never do enough to obligate Him to save us. Some think they can earn their salvation through their efforts (Romans 4:4), but this negates the very essence of grace. Salvation is not a wage we can earn but a gift we must accept. Paul also warns that seeking salvation through works nullifies the promise (Romans 4:14). By relying on our deeds, we undermine God’s promise of salvation through faith.

The Power of Grace through Faith

The key to resolving this problem is recognizing that salvation is a gift (Romans 5:15,16). We must accept that we have all sinned (Romans 3:23) and cannot achieve salvation through our merit. Whether under the Law of Moses or the grace of Jesus, no one has ever been justified by works. The Gospel’s profound truth is that obeying God’s conditions doesn’t earn our salvation. We are not working our way to heaven; we are entering heaven through God’s boundless grace and mercy.

Abraham’s Faith as the Model

Abraham’s life is a remarkable model of salvation by faith (Romans 4:3). His justification came from believing God’s promises. He couldn’t have been justified through perfect law-keeping because he was declared righteous 430 years before the Law was given. Abraham’s faith was marked by his unwavering trust in God’s promises, even in seemingly impossible situations. He left his homeland and family to follow God’s call, believed he would be the father of many nations when Sarah was barren, and even had faith in God’s power to raise the dead. Abraham’s faith was not a mere emotional response to a sermon but a life deeply rooted in God’s promises.

The Impact of Abraham’s Faith

By following in the footsteps of Abraham, we learn to anchor our lives entirely on God’s promises. This means embracing Jesus as the risen Lord of our lives and committing ourselves to His obedience, even when facing opposition and seemingly insurmountable challenges. Abraham’s faith involved constant communion with God, which is the essence of Abrahamic faith. It’s not about our abilities but our trust in God’s promises.

The Universal Offer of Salvation

The beauty of salvation through faith is that it’s offered to all who believe (Romans 4:16,17). Unlike some religions catering only to specific groups, Christianity extends the same salvation to every individual, regardless of background or circumstances.

So, if you seek justification for your sins, the offer of salvation through faith in the Gospel should be highly appealing. Remember, it’s not about your works but about trusting in the grace of God. Abraham’s faith is a guiding light, showing us that salvation is not achieved through self-effort but through profound trust in God’s promises and boundless grace.

‌~PW 🌮🛶