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Lent Day 12


Scripture Reading

Romans 4:1-12


Paul covers a lot of theological ground in these twelve verses. If you have time before you read on, go back and read Romans 2 and 3 for a better understanding of Paul's theological argument. Essentially he is making the case that God doesn't show favoritism when it comes to our salvation. He points out that being a Jew (one of God's chosen people and descendants of Abraham) doesn't matter at all when it comes to a relationship with God. Romans 3 really emphasizes the level ground that every person stands on...we are ALL sinners. 


Romans 3:21-24 

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.  This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,  for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.


The good new for us is that we do not have to keep the Law or do anything else to be saved, because salvation is about faith in what God has done through his son. Abraham could not earn salvation, it was not about being circumcised or keeping the Law but about belief in the promises of God. Just like Abraham, when we are saved it's by faith NOT good works NOT morality NOT walking the aisle not being baptized. Abraham's faith is the lynchpin of salvation for humanity. It was through Abraham that God chose to bless all the peoples of the world: Jew, Gentile, male, female, American, international, Baptist, Catholic. God has provided the free gift of salvation for all who will believe in him. 


Remember that the redemption of fallen humanity was not something that began roughly 2000 years ago but has been God's purpose since Adam and Eve sinned in the Garden of Eden. 


Prayer: God, how blessed I am that you have forgiven my transgressions and covered my sin. Thank you for the faith to believe in your promise of a relationship with you for all eternity. Amen.

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