Abraham walked by
faith. Faith and righteousness are presented as related yet distinct in
scripture. It is because we believe God that His righteousness is imputed to
us. The mental assent of faith and even the action of faith, does not of itself
beget righteousness, until the ‘object’ of that faith is clearly exhibited –
that object is Jesus! Abraham’s action of faith was not the reason for
righteousness being accounted to him, but the fact that his faith and obedience
was placed in the Lord and His word. We can say then, that what authorises and
validates our faith, whether it is expressed in our heart or shown by our
actions and obedience, is the fact that it is located and fixed in Christ! As
such it displays in us Christ’s righteousness, and we become a reflector of Him
and His virtue! This is important because many have a ‘faith’ which can be
considered genuine, though misplaced. Their ‘faith’ may be in human abilities
such as science or technology, or in entities which they may consider ‘divine’.
Never will such faith bring about righteousness with the One True God however, regardless
of how well intentioned, strong or sincere it may be! Not until Jesus Christ is
the sole and central object of a person’s faith, can true and godly righteousness
be attributed and assigned to that individual! Even with Christians faith can
often be misplaced. Some place their faith and make their belief system, their
church organization, human ministry or acts of devotion. These things cannot of
themselves bring about the righteousness of God! Abraham-like faith, a faith
which acts and demonstrates its value through genuine obedience, is accounted
for righteousness because it has as its clear object the Lord Jesus, it is
firmly placed in God as the absolute authority, and is based on the validation
of His Word!
http://www.pentecostalfamilychurch.com.au/devotion
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