Put in on your account
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Romans 4:3
In yesterday’s Dose, we read that there are none righteous, not even one. It was discussed that you cannot do or be enough to make yourself righteous or in right standing with God. Today’s reading in chapter 4 of Romans reinforces that thought in verse 2. It says if Abraham was justified by his works, then he would have something to boast about. And then in verse 4 it says to him who does works for their salvation it is counted as a debt to them not as God’s grace. The conclusion? God’s grace is better. In fact, it is the only way.
Todays key verse says that all Abraham did was believe what God told him. Because he believed, righteousness was put on his account. That righteousness cancelled the debt of sin that was formally on his account. Now his relationship with God was in right standing. James 2:23 actually says that Abraham was called God’s friend. That is quite an honor, and all he did was believe what God said by speaking it over his life and in the life of others.
That is the same thing we are called to do today. We are to believe God. We believe His Word and every promise He made to us in it. We believe that He sent Jesus into the world to pay the price for sin and we accept His payment to receive our salvation. We believe God wants us to share His love with those around us so they can come to the saving knowledge of Jesus so we share that love with all. We believe God has a purpose and plan for our lives and we talk to Him each day to get the direction He would lead. The list is endless. The fact is, we believe more each day as we spend quiet time with God and His living Word.
Today I want to encourage you to believe God and the promises He has given you in His Word and it will be put on your account as righteousness. Take time to read and learn what His promises are each day. Receive His loving salvation through Jesus and then believe it enough to tell others about it. Believe He has given you gifts and abilities to use to draw others to Himself and then use them in that capacity. If you are not sure today what you believe, take a look at your actions and you will know exactly what is in your heart. Your actions always demonstrate what you believe in your heart. If you actually believe that God loves all people and wants you to share His love with others, your actions will demonstrated that love on every level. If your actions are all self focused then what you really believe is that you have to take care of #1. Believe God and His Word today and it will be accounted to your as righteousness too.
Today’s scripture reading: Romans 4:1-12