JUSTIFICATION
Romans 4: Abraham was justified by faith before the law and before he was circumcised. Circumcision did not and could not save anyone, just as today baptism does not and cannot save anyone. Verse 3: “What does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Paul says circumcision is merely an outward sign of a heart that is right with God; the same is true of baptism. The idea that baptism washes away original sin does not wash with the word of God. We all know the story of Abraham willing to sacrifice his son but it really wasn’t necessary, because of his faith; indeed he was a faithful servant.
Paul also tells us that works cannot save anyone. Again, works are merely an outward sign of a born again believers heart as so stated in the book of Ephesians 2:8, 9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this not of yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Psalm 32:1, 2, says: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord does not count against him and in whose spirit is no deceit.” This blessing is available to all the people who believe Jesus is the Messiah.
Paul further testifies of the faith of Abraham and the fact that he is the father of all who believe in Jesus. We are all heirs of Abraham, both Jew and Gentile. We have so much to be thankful for because of Abraham’s faith, a faith that many today need so desperately. If you are one in need of salvation, be like Abraham, accept what Jesus has done for you and you too will be saved to Heaven and all its glory.
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