What does "Abraham believed God" teach about righteousness through faith, not works? Tracing the Theme in Galatians 3 • Paul addresses believers who were being tempted to add law-keeping to faith in Christ. • He anchors his argument in the story of Abraham: “So also, ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.’ ” (Galatians 3:6) • By spotlighting Abraham—who lived centuries before Moses—Paul proves that righteousness has always been granted on the basis of faith, not law. The Heart of the Statement “Abraham believed God.” • Belief here is not vague optimism; it is personal trust in the God who made a promise (Genesis 15:5–6). • “Credited” (logizomai) is an accounting term—God transfers righteousness to Abraham’s account, not because Abraham earned it, but because God counts faith as the sole qualifying factor. • The action is God’s; the response is Abraham’s trust. Faith vs. Works—Why Works Cannot Win Righteousness • Works depend on human performance; faith depends on divine promise. • Galatians 3:10–11: “All who rely on works of the law are under a curse… ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ ” • Romans 4:4–5: “Now to the one who works, his wages are not credited as a gift… But to the one who does not work, but believes Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” • If righteousness could be earned, Christ died for nothing (Galatians 2:21). New Testament Echoes That Reinforce the Point • Romans 4:20–22—Abraham “did not waver” regarding God’s promise; “this is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’ ” • Ephesians 2:8–9—“For it is by grace you have been saved through faith… not by works, so that no one can boast.” • Philippians 3:9—Paul desires to “be found in Him, not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ.” • Hebrews 11:8–12—Abraham obeyed because he first believed; obedience flows from faith, never replaces it. What “Credited Righteousness” Means for Us Today • Right standing with God is received, not achieved. • Faith unites us with Christ, who perfectly fulfilled the law on our behalf (Galatians 3:13). • All who share Abraham’s faith become “sons of Abraham” and heirs of the promise (Galatians 3:7, 29). • Good works follow as the fruit of a new life (Ephesians 2:10), but they are never the root of justification. Living the Lesson • Rest—cease striving for acceptance; trust the finished work of Christ. • Rejoice—the righteousness credited to Abraham is yours through the same simple faith. • Reflect—let grateful obedience and love grow naturally out of the security that faith alone provides. |
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