Justified Hope

Justified Hope

 

"And this hope will not lead to disappointment. For we know how dearly God loves us, because he has given us the Holy Spirit to fill our hearts with his love." Romans 5:5 (New Living Translation)

 

     The Bible says that Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness (Romans 4:3). Abraham was established as just, being acquitted from guilt, not because of certain good works or charitable deeds. Abraham was justified based solely on his belief in God. Circumcision, the outward sign of the covenant with God, was done after Abraham believed the promise. 

 

     Likewise, all our good works must come from an inward faith first; for truly we are justified by faith alone. Righteousness is "counted" to us by our faith in God. That word counted or accounted, as seen in some translations, means credited. In accounting, debits are a use of funds, while credits are a source of funds. If you have more debits (uses of funds) than your have credits (sources of funds), your bottom line is in the red – plain and simple. Sin literally accumulated a debt that we could not pay. But belief in what Jesus Christ did for us on the Cross credits our heavenly account, literally clearing the debt situation caused by sin! Wow, that's good news! Jesus puts His righteousness in our heavenly account when we choose to believe in His work of redemption.

 

     Now that righteousness does not only mean the forgiveness of sin, but now I have access to the promises of God! Romans 4:13 says that Abraham received the promise through righteousness of faith. Having received that promise, Abraham (formerly Abram) began to call himself the “father of many nations” before the promised child even came forth (Romans 4:17). 

 

     The Scripture goes on to say in verse 18 that against hope (no cause for hope), Abraham believed in hope. If we look at Abraham’s situation based solely on the facts, then there was no cause for hope. But Godly hope is not mere wishful thinking. When you have received a promise from God, you hope in faith. That was Abraham’s cause for hope – the promise of God given to a man justified by faith! Your current circumstance may not be a cause for hope. All you may have left is the promise of God. Base your confidence on the God who fulfills all His promises. Like father Abraham, begin to call those things

Send this message to a Friend, and go take charge of the day!Be Blessed,
Katishia Gallishaw
Revival Time Internet Ministries