Daily Worship, Spirit and Word - May 21, 2024

The Faith of Abraham and David

“What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:” (Romans 4:1–6, NKJV)

The faith of these two patriarchs shows us that righteousness is the result of faith and not of works. Abraham is 430 years before The Law was given to Moses, and David was over 300 years after The Law was given. Both men tapped into righteousness by faith - so much so that Apostle Paul uses their faith to teach us about the righteousness of God apart from works. Their faith looks forward to Christ Jesus and is fulfilled in His crucifixion and resurrection. Jesus said, “Your father Abraham rejoiced to see My day, and he saw it and was glad.” (John 8:56, NKJV) Our faith looks back to the cross and is fulfilled in His crucifixion and resurrection. Nevertheless, we are all made into the righteousness of God through faith in Christ Jesus.