But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.

 Good morning. Paul now gives what seems like a refutation to what James said. What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works (uh-oh), he has something to boast about, but not before God. What does the scripture say? Abraham believed God (when He said that Abraham’s descendants would be as numerous as the stars of the heavens), and it was credited to him as righteousness. James also mentions this verse. He says that when Abraham offered up his son Isaac on the altar, that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected; and the scripture was fulfilled which says that Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Christian say they believe, but don’t act like it. Abraham did act like it. He was offering up his only hope that his descendants would be as the stars of the heavens. Back to Paul: now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor (grace), 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. Father thank You that we believed, and it was reckoned to us as righteousness. Help us to show others that they need to do the same.

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