Genesis 15:6 KJV
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
This passage, quoted twice in the New Testament (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6), is foundational to the definition of saving faith.
Several things may be noted:
In whom Abraham believed
It was in the Lord. This passage does not say that Abraham merely believed God but that He believed in the Lord. I do not mean to disregard the New Testament quotations (but of which say he "believed God") but point out that we should interpret both of those texts by this one. Abraham believed in the LORD, that is Jehovah, and Old Testament reference to the Saviour. He was not counted righteous because He believed he would have a child. He was counted righteous because he believed that one day the Saviour would come from His seed.
He believedAbraham's righteousness was not built upon any sort of work or religious deed. Abraham simply believed, relied upon, and trusted God's promise.
May we learn to do the same.
Righteousness
I view this almost as a synonym for Christ. When we believe in and place our faith in Christ God imputes to us not only that we are not sinners, but the very righteousness of Christ. We are hidden in Christ in such a way that God views us in Christ and having His very righteousness.
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
This passage, quoted twice in the New Testament (Romans 4:3, Galatians 3:6), is foundational to the definition of saving faith.
Several things may be noted:
In whom Abraham believed
It was in the Lord. This passage does not say that Abraham merely believed God but that He believed in the Lord. I do not mean to disregard the New Testament quotations (but of which say he "believed God") but point out that we should interpret both of those texts by this one. Abraham believed in the LORD, that is Jehovah, and Old Testament reference to the Saviour. He was not counted righteous because He believed he would have a child. He was counted righteous because he believed that one day the Saviour would come from His seed.
He believedAbraham's righteousness was not built upon any sort of work or religious deed. Abraham simply believed, relied upon, and trusted God's promise.
May we learn to do the same.
Righteousness
I view this almost as a synonym for Christ. When we believe in and place our faith in Christ God imputes to us not only that we are not sinners, but the very righteousness of Christ. We are hidden in Christ in such a way that God views us in Christ and having His very righteousness.
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