Abraham believed. God did the rest. Though he was old with a barren wife, God assured him his son would come from his own body and Sarah’s. God promised to make his descendents into a great nation, to give him land, to bless him, and to bless all nations through him (Genesis 12:1-3).

It’s an amazing historical event. The whole story hinges on one thing: Abraham believed God.

Abraham trusted that God would do what He said He would do. Even when it didn’t make sense from a human standpoint to believe, he did. And, because Abraham believed, God considered Abraham righteous.

Paul explains how Abraham’s response to God stands as a model for us today. “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness” (Romans 4:4-5). Christianity stands on this mind-boggling, but glorious truth.

When we admit our sinfulness — that nothing we do can ever make us right with God — and trust in Jesus’ sacrifice to save us, God considers us righteous. “God made Him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).

God justifies us by the death of His Son, Jesus. Jesus did the work. Like Abraham, we must believe.

Holy God, like Abraham I believe that you do what you say you will do. I believe that Jesus’ death and resurrection restores my broken relationship with you and makes me righteous. May my whole life prove that I believe you. Amen.

Go Deeper — How does your belief in Jesus’ sacrifice show in your daily life? True belief spurs action. Abram left his home because he believed God. How does God call you to demonstrate your belief in Him today?



Tags: The Patriarchs Romans 4
Photo Credit: Bailey Hall