Faith and Works

Dear class,

Today's readings are taken from Genesis 10-12 and Romans 4.

Romans 4 continues where we left off yesterday.
Again, to the biased reader, there seems to be fodder for "faith" only argument.
"See??!! If we "work" it is not of faith! c.f. Rom 4:4,5"

What about James 1:22; 2:20-26??
Fact of the matter is, the Word does not contradict itself. It's man's deliberate bias that clouds his understanding of the plain teachings of God.

What does it truly mean to be "counted for righteousness"? (Rom 4:3)

James explains in 2:21-23 of Abraham and Isaac.
Abraham had WORKED, ACTED upon his BELIEF/FAITH (the 2 words are the same Greek expression) by offering his son Isaac. That was how our faith was to be "wrought with...works" and made "perfect" or complete (Jam 2:22). Wherefore Abraham was "justified by works" (v. 24) That was how righteousness was counted or imputed for him. He did not just "sit" on his faith, but acted upon it. He did not just profess with his mouth but followed through with action.

Likewise, James went on with the example of Rahab. Her faith in God prompted her to risk the lives of herself and her family and helped the spies.

And we shall spend a bit more time on Hebrews 11 pointing out the same concept, as we get to the chapter.

So what was the "works" was Paul talking about in Romans 4? One only has to go down a few verses further into the chapter (besides paying attention to the previous chapter! Bearing in mind that in those days, there were no chapter divisions) to vs.9,10.

Thus as previously pointed out, Paul was basically reminding the Jews that they could not "rest on their laurels"! One could not get himself circumcised and live anyway he wants thinking this "work" would save him. This was the same thing that John the baptizer had preached on (c.f. Mat 3:9,10).
At any stage, any dispensation, faith was to be an active entity in the person's life. It's not a status to be achieved but a manner of life that God has purposed for His children (c.f. Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:38). It is to be manifested through obedient works. Works of faith and not of the letter. It was purposed of God right from the beginning, just grossly misunderstood and abused by man through the ages.

This day, it remains for us to continue in faith and works of faith, wherewith righteousness will also be imputed for us (Rom 4:24).

The Lord bless our day ahead.

in Him
Paul


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But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. ~ Hebrews 3:13
And the times of this ignorance God winked at; but now commandeth all men every where to repent: ~ Act 17:30