FEB 27

Romans 4:5
Memorise Romans 4:5 “Abraham believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

It is impossible to work your own way into Heaven. It is impossible even if someone were to devote his whole life to good works starting as a child and persevering on into old age. Our good works and “righteousnesses” are only “filthy rags” when contrasted in the light of a thrice holy God (Isaiah 64:6). Even Abraham who was called the “Friend of God” (James 2:23) could not boast of his works before God. Romans 4:2 says that indeed Abraham’s works were worthy of praise before Man but before God, they did nothing to earn him a place in Heaven.

So how did Abraham attain his place in Heaven? Simply by believing. Romans 4:3 says that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness”. Likewise, for us too, if we “[believe] on him that justifieth the ungodly, [our] faith is counted for righteousness” (Romans 4:5). It can only be simply believing as there is completely nothing we can do to obtain salvation. By simply believing, we acknowledge this and accept God’s full work and plan for salvation. Only the blood of Christ is good enough to be accepted by God as payment for our sins.

If you find it difficult to accept that salvation is simply believing, it could be due to a number of reasons. Perhaps you have not truly understood the Gospel and the doctrine of sin. Roman Catholicism teaches justification takes place by the means of the keeping of the sacraments and you might have been influenced by such unbiblical ideas. Perhaps it is pride that prevents you from accepting that there is nothing you can do to save yourself. Or it may be the lack of faith in the power of Christ’s blood to wash away your sins.

Dear teen, If a man so great in faith like Abraham could not boast of his works before God, how can you? And if Abraham could simply believe in God’s plan for salvation, you too can simply believe and be saved.

Thought: How would you convince someone that salvation is simply believing?
Prayer: Dear Lord, I thank Thee for the example of Abraham and how his faith was counted for righteousness. I thank Thee that our faith in Thee and Thy work of salvation is also counted for righteousness. I thank Thee that salvation is simply believing in Christ and what He has done for us on the cross.