"I Pray For The Faith

of Abraham"

Marilyn Parker

(Romans 4 )

The Apostle Paul brings a most relevant thought and fact for all believers concerning our relationship with God. It is of the utmost importance that we understand this teaching before even moving any further as a born-again believer!

Many of us have misconstrued our relationship with the Father. For some reason even being told Jesus was wounded for our transgression and bruised for our iniquities and the chastisement of our peace, all of that is upon Him…and by his stripes we are healed. Often, we do not grasp the full meaning of that. We understand that Christ redeemed us from the curse of the” law” being made a curse for us! We know the blood Jesus shed for us took the place of all sacrifices and because it does, we no longer must sacrifice or “work” for our salvation. We are no longer separated by sin! We cannot break a law and work yourself back into Gods' family with works…nothing is higher or needed besides the Blood of Jesus! Born again believers must realize that God is interested in having a relationship with you.

Here in Romans Chapter 4 the Apostle Paul refers us to Abraham. Abraham is to be our example of Faith in God. It is Faith! Believe in Him. Abraham shows that He believed God (!) no matter what. God was most important in his life. Abraham did not try to work and shine to God. He understood the grace and love God showed toward Him and nothing would get in place Him. No one would stand between that, if God said it, Abraham believed it! Abraham is referred to as the father of faith. It is the faith of Abraham that every believer must have in God. Abraham was fully persuaded of Gods’ ability as we should be!He understood the impossible was possible with God! God counted his faith unto righteousness.

What is Righteousness? Righteousness is right standing with God. That is not your work. What the apostle was teaching the believers back then is still relevant, most relevant today. Right standing with God is simply your faith in Him! You believe above all. You not only believe Him, but in Him. God. Believing in who He is! Your work is merely your duty.

When you fall short you have a savior. You are in the blood, covered you cannot do anything outside of the blood of Jesus and it “count”! Only thing that counts with God is your faith in Him. You may miss the mark in your ministry but if you have faith in God, He is just and faithful to restore you! Your work can never restore you. We have been justified by Christ Jesus alone …we must believe!

It becomes hard to believe that you really do not have to work for your salvation. Hearing the scripture “work" out your own salvation” means obedience. You are obedient because it's right and honorable. You do not pay tithes, attend church, be faithful to the attendance of your church, visit the sick and those in prison to work for your salvation. It is not counted; it does not count. We must understand clearly that no works replace our faith. 

Finally, keep up your good “work". It, too, is your reasonable service. Your faith enhances as well as develops your relationship, increasing your belief in God. Works' will not bring you to a point of a relationship. Study to be in the right standing (relationship) with God the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit! I pray to possess the faith of Abraham!