Our Father’s Faith

“So those who have faith are blessed with Abraham, who had faith.” (Galatians 3:9 CSB)

Abraham was a man of faith. We do not know at what point he began turning to God, believing in Him, and worshiping Him. We just know that he did. God told him to go to a land He would show him, so in faith Abraham went. God promised to multiply Abraham and his “seed” like the sands of the seashore. Abraham believed God, and God counted that as Abraham being right in relationship with Him.

So, what was it that made Abraham right with God? Was it his obedience? No, it was his faith. His faith put him in right standing with God, and obedience was the expression of his faith and trust in God. And for that, God blessed him greatly.

The Bible teaches us that those who are the true sons, true children, of Abraham are those who hear the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ, believe the message, and then believe in and commit to Jesus. These are the true descendants of Abraham who are blessed with Abraham. We are blessed on the basis of our faith. Then, our actions follow our faith. We believe first, and then we act and express our belief. We do not act in order to be blessed, but because we are blessed. The works we do on the basis of faith are evidence of that faith, but they cannot substitute for faith, since that would miss the point altogether.

Faith is the point. Faith is the portal into right relationship with God. Nothing we do can get us in the door. Faith is the only means available to put us in a right relationship with God. Faith, in fact, IS the relationship.

Today, may we each be strengthened in our faith, in our relationship with God, and may we then demonstrate our faith in the actions of our lives.

Father, Enable us this and each day to live out the faith we have in You. Amen.