"For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Religion is good, but it does not save. Works of righteousness are commendable, but they too fall short of God's righteousness. In fact, according to scripture nothing that man can do, or has done will ever be able to save his soul. Even faith apart from God's revealed will and word is empty. So then why does the scripture above say that Abraham was able to receive God's righteousness by just simply believing God. In Abraham's day there was no Bible written, no law of Moses, nor was there Jesus Christ yet, and yet Abraham was able to receive God's righteousness apart from all the above. How was it possible? Simply because God spoke, and Abraham trusted in His Word. He believed God and His Word, and so God imparted or imputed to him His saving righteousness apart from religion, works, commandments, and even Christ. You see people in the OT were saved the same way we must be; by believing God's Word and trusting in His promises. For Abraham, though he had God's righteousness was not yet able to enter heaven because Jesus had not yet come. The temporary righteousness of God insured his salvation until Christ paid his sin debt. Even so, it has always been faith in God that imputes God's righteousness. Even today, if we will believe God, and trust in His plan of salvation through Christ, we too like Abraham will receive God's saving righteousness.
( Gen 41:41-43) “And Pharaoh said unto Joseph, See, I have set thee over all the land of Egypt... A nd he made him to ride in the second chariot which he had; and they cried before him, Bow the knee: and he made him ruler over all the land of Egypt.” When Joseph was introduced to us in chp.37, he was a young inexperienced 17 year old boy, and yet 13 years later God raised him up to rule the nation of Egypt. So, what made him different ? The Answer : “ Time,” and his faith in God ! You see time is a wonderful teacher; 1) Time strengthens endurance . Endurance and faith can only be strengthened over time. Like exercise, we start out not able to do much but over time we find that we can do more. You see, God allows us to go through the ups and downs of life, to help us gain not only spiritual maturity, but also spiritual abilities. Spiritual endurance therefore enables us to handle life’s trials better. 2) Time strengthens patience . Although Joseph, ...
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