Reckon So

Romans 4
For what saith the scriptures? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.  Romans 4:3  (reference Gen. 15:6)


LET IT GLOW

I remember hearing the the phrase "I reckon so" when I was growing up. Though I didn't question it as someone's answer of agreement, I reckon it was time to look up the definition.

The word reckoned means expect, believe, suppose, have faith or confidence in, to credit something to someone's financial account.

Paul uses the term reckoned three times in chapter 4-verses 4, 9, and 10. It seemed to be important.

In his book, Coming to Terms with Sin, Charles Swindoll had this to say:

When God promised Abraham that He would greatly multiply his descendants, Abraham believed that God would do what He had said. At that moment, God transferred righteousness to Abraham's account. His faith in the Lord brought him everlasting life. (Gen.15:1-6)


God had promised Abraham that his seed would be as many as the stars (Gen.15:5) and he'd be a father of many nations (Gen 17:5). Looking back, as we have that privilege, we know it all happened.
Now, Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old when Isaac, their son of promise, was born.
That was a miracle that only God could perform. Abrahams's faith became sight.
The couple waited 14 years to see this promise (Isaac) fulfilled. Do I have that kind of patience and growing faith? How long am I willing to wait for a promise to be fulfilled in my life?
Do we stop praying for a specific thing if the answer doesn't come in a week? Oh, boy!

David Guzik's Commentaries on the Bible said, "Promises given to Abraham extended to his descendants. We're justified by faith, thus Abraham's spiritual descendants. God's promise to Abraham was based on the principle of faith, not law or works. (verses 13-15)"

As a Gentile, I am glad to declare Abraham as my Father in the Faith. Aren't you?


LET IT GROW

Charles Spurgeon said," We can only receive salvation by the principle of grace through faith. All true believers, like Abraham obey. Obedience is faith in action. You are to walk in the steps of the faith of father Abraham. His faith did not sit still, it took steps; and you must take these steps also by obeying God because you believe him. That faith which has no works with it is a dead faith and will justify no one. "

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised. (verse 12)

How did Abraham walk?
1. in belief-verses 3, 17
2. in obedience-verse 11 (He was circumcised 14 years after God declared him righteous.)
3. didn't trust in his flesh-verse 19
4. strong in faith-verse 20
5. giving glory to God-verse 20
6. fully persuaded God was able to perform what He promised-verse 21.

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. Romans 4:20-22

Paul used the word imput/imputed six times in this chapter(verses 6, 8, 11, 22, 23, and 24). You know I had to look it up.
Impute means to attribute, to charge, according to Webster.

Thank you Lord for imputing grace and righteousness to my account through faith in Jesus.

Charles Swindoll says, "Ultimately, all test of faith concern the same thing-one's view of God. Abraham was convinced that the Lord was absolutely trustworthy and able to deliver on His promise. How big is your God? Can He handle your circumstances, burdens, and trials? Let your faith rest in the God of unlimited power and love. A divine delay should strengthen our conviction that God will do what He has promised."


LET IT GO

Thank you Lord that my salvation is through faith in Jesus, not the law nor my works.

Believe stronger in God's promises.

Put my faith into action. Walk by faith.