Through the Deep Waters -- Feb. 29th

Romans 4:13-21

In God’s Covenantal Relationship his People he has made them a promise. That promise is typified in the promise made to the Father of Faith, Abraham. God showed up to Abraham when he was oblivious to the Person, Character, and Goodness of God. And God showed up and called Abraham to leave his homeland and to follow him (Genesis 12). And in following him, Abraham received promises of God's presence, protection and provision. These promises were not based on Abraham’s efforts to make anything happen, but simply on the faithfulness of the God who made the promises. On this journey Abraham lied and stumbled along the way, but God's promises held true not because Abraham deserved or earned them, but because He who promised is Faithful.

Our passage truthfully tells us that if we had to earn God's promises then our faith in Christ is of no value and the promises are made null and void because we have ALL broken the law. So for us lawbreakers it’s automatic disqualification from the inheritance. The wages of sin is death, that’s our reward. But the passage also positively teaches us that the promise is based on faith in God's work. Yes, simple trust in the one who made the promise. And because it's by faith, therefore the reason we receive the promises of his presence, protection, and provision comes to us not by working hard, but by His Grace alone. Grace implies Him working on our behalf.

So the Promises of God must be earned. BUT WE CAN'T EARN THEM. Christ earned them on our behalf. Through the work of his sinless life and his wrath bearing death on the cross he QUALIFIES US for the promises of God. And we are qualified not by doing anything, but by simply trusting in what He has done for us. That's the Gospel!!! And because it is by Grace through Faith: The promises are certain, sure and unshakeable...

Prayer: Father help us to understand the weight of the Gospel. The Good News is that we who are sinners, receive every promise from you as a yes and amen in Christ. His life and death is the only reason why the promises of your presence, protection, and provision are certain in our lives. May we boast and take confidence in the Cross ALONE.