Faith and Works

Scripture:

So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.

You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
James 2:23-24


Observation:

Abraham placed confidence in God. Abraham trusted God to do what He said He was going to do. In this particular instance, Abraham trusted that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there were stars in the sky and sand on the shore through Isaac, the very child God had told Abraham to sacrifice.... This would have caused many to falter in the faith, but not Abraham. So the only logical conclusion I’ve come up with is that Abraham believed God would either provide another lamb for the sacrifice or that God would raise Isaac from the dead. WHAT AMAZING FAITH!

Because Abraham believed God and acted in a way consistent with his belief, he was considered righteous and he was called God’s friend. The word “friend” does not only refer to a familiar association (which is overwhelming enough, that the same God whose footstool is the earth and who measures the universe with the span of His hand allowed Abraham familiarity with him). The word “friend” can also refer to the best man at a wedding. SERIOUSLY. Can you imagine having a relationship with God that was so close that YOU would be His pick for best man?


Application:

So, all of this means what? Our righteousness comes not only from believing God is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider of salvation through Christ (although that belief is vital). We must believe this TO OUR CORE and action must flow out of that belief. If we say we believe it but we don’t do it, we don’t really believe it.


Prayer:

May my life reflect my belief in You, and may my faith in You grow deeper with each passing day!