that is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of abraham, who is the father of us all, [romans 4:16]
if you’ve been following these devotionals, attending church at matthias’ lot, or even just have read the first 15 verses of romans chapter 4, you’re probably convinced by now that your right-standing with God as a christian is based solely on the work of Jesus and your faith in him rather than anything you could ever do on your own.
this verse is continuing paul’s point in his argument that not only jews, but anyone who shares the faith of abraham will be saved from eternal separation from God.
today, i want to focus in on the first few words:
“that is why it depends on faith…”
do you depend on your faith to make you right before God? or is your faith something you do like going to church or praying before a meal? though both of these are good things, it is easy for our faith to become a piece of how we live life rather than an all out desperation for Jesus.
where can you depend on faith in Jesus today? maybe it’s a hard relationship with a spouse, child, or friend. maybe it’s financial provision, or maybe it’s for physical healing. maybe it’s in your career, or maybe it’s in the midst of loneliness.
wherever it is in life, we depend on Jesus. we depend on him to make us right before God, and we depend on him for all of life.
Psalm 33:20-22
[20] our soul waits for the LORD;
he is our help and our shield.
[21] for our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
[22] let your steadfast love, O LORD, be upon us,
even as we hope in you.
God, help us to depend on you today in all areas of life. deepen our faith in your son Jesus. may we depend on your grace today.
amen.
~ john sandman
