Tuesday, 16 April 2013
…and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Romans 4:21
Hebrews 11:1 defines what faith is – “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” It is something which one possesses, “substance” and “evidence.” Roman’s 4:21 takes this definition and describes it. Abraham was “fully convinced that what He [God] had promised He was also able to perform.” This is the substance of Abraham’s hope and it is the evidence of his faith.
Abraham’s internal conviction that God was able to perform exactly what He spoke was looked upon as an act of righteousness by God. This is the foundation of the biblical pattern for such a reckoning and it will be broken down and explained in the next verses. And the Bible will never deviate from this premise – that it is by grace through faith that one is saved. Jesus’ words confirm this precept and are worth remembering yet again –
“For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
This is the model, this is the standard, and this is the truth of the word of God. We are to be fully convinced that what He promises He will also perform.
Life application: Have faith in God and His word. It is the only thing that you can ever do which will restore you to Him. He has done the work; now accept what He has done and the promises which accompany it.
Heavenly Father, I am fully convinced that the things You have promised You are also able to perform. You have said that through Jesus my sins are forgiven and I accept that. You have said that through faith in Him I am declared righteous and I believe that. You have said that I am granted eternal life through Him and I wait patiently for that day! Great is Your faithfulness O God. Amen.