IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF ABRAHAM, Sarah Barry
SAVING FAITH
Passage: Romans 4:1~8  
Key verse: 5
Abraham Justified by Faith
4 What then shall we say(A) that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh,(B) discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.(C) 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a](D)
4 Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift(E) but as an obligation. 5 However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.(F) 6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
Footnotes
- Romans 4:3 Gen. 15:6; also in verse 22
- Romans 4:8 Psalm 32:1,2
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source:  BibleGateway
1. Abraham's faith (1-5)
We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus. What does it mean to have faith? Abraham's faith is the kind of faith God accepts. Abraham was justified by faith. He believed God, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness. God did not accept him because he was naturally good or because he did some good work that earned God's approval. He simply believed God. To be credited as righteous means to be forgiven and cleansed of sin, and to be made right with God.
2. David's faith (6-8)
David also believed in God who forgives sinners. David was blessed--not because he was a king, or because he was a victorious general, or because he was popular, or because he was a talented musician and poet. He was happy because he knew that God forgave his sins. Repentance before God and faith in Jesus is the secret of a happy and blessed life.
Prayer: Lord, teach me the simple, trusting faith of David and Abraham.
One Word: God forgives sinners who believe