Daily Devotional for Wednsday, December 25
Abraham’s Salvation
“Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness;· Galatians 3:6.
One of the arguments of the Judaizers was the covenant God made withAbraham which was recorded in thebook of Genesis before theMosaic Law. The Jews could trace their lineage all the way back to Abraham, and in Genesis 17 circumcision was made a sign of this covenant. They must have thought that even if Paul could prove a case against following the entire Mosaic Law, he could not deny that God commanded circumcision. These Jewish Christians were claiming that in addition to faith in Christ, Gentile Christians would also need to be circumcised to be truly saved and apart of the family of God.
Paul used Abraham for a comparison to prove that he was counted righteous before circumcision. He quoted Genesis 15:6 (before the events of Genesis 17:10) that his belief was counted unto righteousness. Abraham was already righteous in the sight of God because of his faith, not works, specifically circumcision. Paul said that the Galatians received the Spirit by faith(Galatians 3:5) just as Abraham received righteousness (verse 6) and neither of which were through their own works but through their belief.
We study the Scriptures to grow in the knowledge of Christ and how to live out our faith in Him. We should be constantly learning more about God and His overwhelming love for us and, in turn, reflecting that love to others; however, studying the Scriptures does not cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Going to church services at a specific church cannot make us righteous. It is only by grace through faith in Christ and His sacrifice that will ever make anyone worthy to be called achild of God. We can follow traditions and rules and quote Scriptures as the Pharisees did, but unless we have placed our faith in the One who gave His life for us, we are no more than whitewashed tombs. There are no other requirements to be an heir of the promise of eternal life with God.
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
Spend some time today thanking God for the free gift of salvation through faith in Christ.
Ashley Ridings