How does Galatians 3:6 illustrate the importance of faith in Christian life? The Verse in Focus Galatians 3:6: “So also, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ ” Faith Highlighted in Abraham • Abraham’s righteousness came the moment he believed, not after he performed any deed. • Genesis 15:6 affirms the same reality, showing perfect harmony between Old and New Testaments. • Paul anchors his entire argument on this historical, literal event—faith precedes works, not the other way around. Why Faith Matters More Than Works • Romans 4:3 repeats the Abraham example to prove salvation is by faith alone. • Ephesians 2:8-9 underscores that salvation is “not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works.” • Trying to earn favor through rule-keeping empties the cross of its power (Galatians 2:21). Faith and Our Justification • Justification is a legal declaration—God credits righteousness immediately upon belief (Romans 5:1). • This credit is not partial; it is full and final, because Christ’s righteousness is perfect and complete. • Galatians 3:6 therefore assures believers that their standing before God rests on faith, not fluctuating performance. Faith and Daily Walk • The same faith that justifies also sustains: “for we walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7). • Hebrews 11:6 reminds us “without faith it is impossible to please God,” linking everyday obedience to trusting dependence. • Faith fuels obedience; it does not replace it. Works become the fruit, never the root, of our relationship with Christ. Practical Takeaways • Rest—stop striving to earn what God has already given through faith. • Trust—take God at His Word in every circumstance, just as Abraham did. • Live—express genuine faith by loving God and serving others, confident that righteousness has already been credited to your account. |
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