Faith Alone Justifies: Learning from Abraham’s Example

In Romans 4:4-5, the Apostle Paul delineates the essence of salvation by grace through faith. He goes back into the Old Testament and the account of Abraham, who was the epitome of faith, whose trust in God’s promise was accounted to him as righteousness. Paul connects Abraham’s salvation to the Gospel of Grace, drawing a direct line to our salvation today.

Romans 4:4-5 says:

“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.”

In these verses, Paul emphasizes that salvation is achieved not through our actions but solely by faith. Just like Abraham’s unwavering belief in God’s promises, we too are urged to have faith in what God has declared about the work of His Son, Jesus Christ, on our behalf.

‘And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.’

Genesis 15:6

1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines this Gospel: Christ’s death, burial, and resurrection for our sins. Our part? To believe.

Ephesians 2:8–9 reinforces this truth: “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”

Just as Abraham’s faith alone was credited to him as righteousness, today, faith alone (believing) in what Christ did on our behalf brings us salvation. It’s not about what we do, but about what Christ has already done.

Thank you for reading.

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Jamie Pantastico

Mesa Bible Study

Faith, Sine Qua Non

“What is Not Properly Understood can “Not” be Properly Applied”

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What Saith the Scripture?

Most problems in interpreting Bible passages arise from neglecting a passage’s context. The guiding principle of sound interpretation is to take a passage literally. Not maintaining this discipline, interpreting Scripture becomes made up, man’s idea, fantasy, and the passage can mean almost anything. The result is erroneous and ridiculous interpretations.

Another important principle to sound Bible interpretation is to read Scripture “in-time”. In other words, we have to read and study the Bible as a progressive revelation. Not getting ahead of God’s revelation.

God’s plan of redemption for mankind wasn’t revealed all at once to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Moses, David, Isaiah, or any of the other old testament prophets. Not even Peter and the eleven were given the full counsel of God. The Lord revealed to each of the aforementioned what they needed at their particular time in Biblical history. A hermeneutical method that does not approach Scripture as a progressive revelation leads to erroneous interpretations.

To be a good bible student one must maintain a literal, grammatical and historical (in-time) hermeneutic. There has been much too much of man’s theology governing Scripture when it is God’s Word alone that reigns over theology.

Who's writing?

Identify the author of the book and passage.

Who is the author writing too?

Who is the audience? Yes, all Scripture is for us but not all of Scripture is directed to us our salvation and doctrine (how to live our daily lives). To say all of Scripture is, is erroneous interpretation.

When was the Book or Passage written?

This is necessary to identify the time and historical context.

What were the circumstances when it was written? (what was going on)

What was going on before and after it was written?

What happen before and after the particular Book or Passage you’re reading?

What is the HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF THE VERSE?

Where does the Bible verse fit in Biblical history. Use the answers from the list of these questions to identify the “historical context”.

Are there other passages that the Author has written to help expand on the verse your reading?

Utilize the full counsel of God to illuminate the passage

All of Scripture fits perfectly.

The Good News

salvation

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. You don’t have to do anything but believe by faith that God sent His only Son Jesus Christ to die for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead 3 days later.

THE GOOD NEWS

SALVATION

Salvation is a FREE GIFT from God. SALVATION IS BY FAITH ALONE & FAITH IS BELIEVING WHAT GOD SAYS.

God declares all mankind sinners and we all fall short of Glory of God. Romans 3:23
The payment for our sin is death. Romans 6:23
But God…because he loved you so much sent His own Son, Jesus Christ, to die in your place, for your sins, was buried, and rose from the dead three days later. 1 Cor 15:1-4; 2cor 5:21

All God asks is that you believe by faith alone in 1, 2, & 3. That you’re a sinner, separated from God but God sent his Son to die for your sins, was buried & rose again 3 days later.

that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

Romans 10:9

Do You Believe?

Faith Alone Justifies: Learning from Abraham’s Example

by Jamie Pantastico

Daily Encouragement

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