Turning Point Series

“For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,” (Romans 4:3-5 NASB)

There is an old adage that says that most people get money the old fashion way – ‘They Earn It’.

There is even an older adage on how people get money which says – ‘They Inherit It’.

Sometimes people think salvation is like just like the way they receive money – but it is not.

Salvation does not come by earning it.

Salvation does not come by inheriting it – it only comes as a gift from God.

Let me repeat that – salvation only comes as a gift from God.

This is exactly what the New Testament tells us when it says:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.” (Ephesians 2:8-9 NASB)

It is not that you can earned it – it is not that you can inherit it – it is given by God to those who believe.

But did you know there is an Old Testament equivalent to this verse (Eph. 2:8-9)? It is found in the book of Genesis:

“Then he (Abraham) believed in the LORD; and He reckoned it to him as righteousness.” (Genesis 15:6 NASB)

Abraham put his faith and trust in the Lord and the result was – God reckoned him as righteousness.

Is this verse important – yes! It is vital! It is so important that it is quoted three times in the New Testament.

Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS. (Galatians 3:6 NASB)

The Scripture was fulfilled which says, "AND ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS," and he was called the friend of God. (James 2:23 NASB)

For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS." (Romans 4:3 NASB)

What did Abraham believe? He believed that God would do what He said He would do. In Genesis 15 Abraham had no children, but God said, “Abraham you have no children – I’ll give you children. I will make you a great nation – I will watch over you and protect you.”

And, "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."

Folks here is a simple fact – Abraham trusted in God – Abraham relied on God – Abraham believed in God – Abraham put his hope in God – and their relationship with one another changed forever. At that point it became a turning major point for Abraham.

“Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

But what has that got to do with you and me? The answer is simple – in the same way that Abraham put his faith and trust in God – God wants you to put your faith and trust in Him. If you do you will have a major turning point in your life. God is waiting for you to trust Him. God is waiting for you to believe in Him. God is waiting for you to put your hope in Him. That what life is about isn’t it? Do you trust God or don’t you?

You know – humans are strange creatures. Most people think they have to earn salvation – on the other hand we like to get a bargain. Anybody here like to get a really “good deal.” Any here like to save money? Yea – me too. For the past few years Black Friday has been one of the savings days of my life. I have gone out shopping any have saved hundreds of money. The only problem is – is that I have had to spend a lot of money in the process. Just the other day I went to a sale because I got a “real bargain” offer thru an email. The deal was this: Buy 2 get one FREE. Now these were items that are not necessities of life. Now I could go through my entire life and not have them and I would be just fine. I don’t NEED – but I WANT it. I could stay home and I could REALLY save some money. I could stay home and not spend a dime. So you know what I did? I went to the sale and spent money. Did I get some items “Free”? Yes, but it cost me money in the process. Folks here is a fact: people will spend hours in line get a trinket that is worth a dime. That is human nature and I do it too.