Spurgeon: “Illustrations are like windows, they let light in.”
Two Important Words:
Justified—to be completely accepted by God.
James 2:23
Credited—to compute or to calculate.
This word is used 11 times in Romans chapter 4.
How can I be Accepted by God?
1) We are not acceptable by doing Good Works! Vs. 1-8
Vs. 2—Not by bragging!
You will not find yourself worth in achievements or in accomplishments!
Vs. 3—Genesis 15:1-6: Believe
Vs. 4-5—The difference between wages versus gift!
Salvation is credited according to your faith, not to your works!
Vs. 6-8—David is similar to Abraham.
Psalm 32
2) We are not acceptable by Religious Rituals! Vs. 9-12
Genesis 15:6 “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (NIV)
The Rituals are a symbol of your faith, not the cause of your faith!
3) We are not acceptable by keeping the Law! Vs. 13-15
Question: How long did Abraham live before the Law was given?
Galatians 3:17 “What I mean is this: The law, introduced 430 years later, does not set aside the covenant previously established by God and thus do away with the promise.” (NIV)
4) We are only acceptable to God by Faith!
Faith is obedience!
Question: Why did God make our acceptance only based on our Faith?
To demonstrate God’s Grace. Vs. 16
To demonstrate God Power! Vs. 17
Question: Will you believe in God for a miracle?
