Chapter 11
JUSTIFICATION THROUGH FAITH
Part II - Two Examples
(Galatians 3:6-9)
Let us pray,
Dear Heavenly Father, Almighty God,
We come before You in the Name of Your only begotten Son, Jesus Christ. Father please bless this time of study. Please open our eyes, ears and heart so we can better comprehend Your Word and come to know You better.
In Jesus Name we ask.
Amen
INTRODUCTION
In our previous study the Holy Spirit, through the Apostle Paul, taught us that we are justified, that is free from the guilt and consequence of our sin and have right standing before God, through faith in Jesus Christ.
To refresh our memory let us read from,
Romans 3:28
"For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law."
It is interesting to note that as we read the Holy Scriptures we find this truth, of being justified by faith apart from the law, is not new. In fact, it is taught throughout the Old Testament. Consequently, in Paul’s letter to the Galatians the Holy Spirit asks us to recall this truth. He does this by asking us to consider the righteousness of Abraham. To see this let us now read the Scriptures that are the subject of this study.
Galatians 3:6-9
"[6] Consider Abraham: "He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." [7] Understand, then, that those who believe are children of Abraham. [8] The Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: "All nations will be blessed through you." [9] So those who have faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith."
Let us now obey the Holy Spirit’s request and consider,
THE EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM
We begin our study by reviewing,
GOD’S PROMISE TO ABRAM
When Abram was 75 years old God promised that from him He would make a great nation. After Abram rescued Lot from his and his family’s captivity, God again appeared to Abram. This time, God was more specific about His promise to Abram. To read what God said we go to,
Genesis 15:1-6
"[1] …, the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision: "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your very great reward." [2] But Abram said, "O Sovereign LORD, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?" [3] And Abram said, "You have given me no children; so a servant in my household will be my heir." [4] Then the word of the LORD came to him: "This man will not be your heir, but a son coming from your own body will be your heir." [5] He took him outside and said, "Look up at the heavens and count the stars--if indeed you can count them." Then he said to him, "So shall your offspring be." [6] Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness."
It is noted that according to Thomas Robinson’s Biblical Timeline this occurred in approximately 1911 BC. At this time Abram should be around 82-83 years old.
However, the key point for this study is in verse 6. Abram, who was later named Abraham, believed God and it was declared to him as righteousness. Now some may say what is the big deal about that? Why shouldn't Abram believe God when He told him he would have a son? The answer comes to light by realizing that at this point in his life,
ABRAM KNEW HIS WIFE SARAI WAS BARREN
This is recorded for us in,
Genesis 11:30
"[30] Now Sarai was barren; she had no children."
After waiting a year or so to become pregnant, Sarai became impatient and convinced Abram to follow the laws and customs of that day and give her a son through her maid Hagar. Consequently, when Abram was 86 years old Ishmael was born (see Genesis 16:15-16). At this time Abram was in Canaan for 10 years (Genesis 16:3).
In the Old Testament we find that since Ishmael was conceived in accordance with the law and customs of that day, Ishmael was not the child of promise.
However, we discover is was not until 13 years later,
WHEN ABRAHAM WAS 99 YEARS OLD GOD RECONFIRMED HIS PROMISE
God's reconfirmation is recorded for us in,
Genesis 17:1-2
"[1] When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to him and said, "I am God Almighty ; walk before me and be blameless. [2] I will confirm my covenant between me and you and will greatly increase your numbers.""
It is noted that it was at this time God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of many nations.” To see this let us continue reading from,
Genesis 17:3-6
[3] Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: [4] “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. [5] No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. [6] I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.
It is also noted that at this time God changed Sari’s name to Sarah, which means “princess.” To read what God said we go to,
Genesis 17:15-16
[15] Then God said to Abraham, “As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall be her name. [16] And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her.”
As we continue to read the Bible we find that in God's time He gave Abraham and Sarah the promised son, Isaac. This is recorded in,
Genesis 21:1-5
"[1] Now the LORD was gracious to Sarah as he had said, and the LORD did for Sarah what he had promised. [2] Sarah became pregnant and bore a son to Abraham in his old age, at the very time God had promised him. [3] Abraham gave the name Isaac to the son Sarah bore him. [4] When his son Isaac was eight days old, Abraham circumcised him, as God commanded him. [5] Abraham was a hundred years old when his son Isaac was born to him."
The now question arises as to; “What is the Holy Spirit teaching us through the above account of Abraham's life?” To find out let us read what the Holy Spirit wrote in,
Romans 4:18-25
"[18] Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, "So shall your offspring be." [19] Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead--since he was about a hundred years old--and that Sarah's womb was also dead. [20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, [21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. [22] This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness." [23] The words "it was credited to him" were written not for him alone, [24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness--for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. [25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification."
Thus we find the Holy Scripture is teaching us that even though Abraham and Sarah were basically dead in their natural ability to produce an offspring, Abraham still believed God could and would fulfill His promise to him. In like manner, we too were dead in our ability to make atonement for our sins and produce good fruits for God's kingdom. However, as God brought Abraham and Sarah to life to give birth to Isaac, He also made the born again believer alive to do good works in Christ Jesus. To see this let us read from,
Ephesians 2:1-10
"[1] As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins, [2] in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient. [3] All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature objects of wrath. [4] But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, [5] made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions--it is by grace you have been saved. [6] And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus, [7] in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus. [8] For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith--and this not from yourselves, it is the gift of God-- [9] not by works, so that no one can boast. [10] For we are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do."
Let us notice the following verses,
1-3 … In the way we used to live, that is by following and gratifying the cravings of our sinful nature we were dead. Because of our behavior, which were the sinful fruits of our life, we were under God's wrath.
4-5 … Because of His love for you and I, through the new birth of the Holy Spirit, God made the born again believer alive!
6 … He raised us up with Christ and we now sit with Him in the heavenly realms. In other words, we, along with Jesus Christ are now citizens of Heaven (Philippians 3:20).
8 … It is by God's Grace, that is unmerited favor, that we are saved through faith.
10 … The born again believer has been created in Christ Jesus to do good works, that is to live a life here on earth that is pleasing to Almighty God.
This now brings us to the next attribute of being justified. Specifically, true saving faith is not dormant but active. In other words, as verse 10 teaches us, through faith we have been created in Jesus Christ to do good works.
To see this let us return to the Old Testament and the example of Abraham. However, this time let us read about,
THE SACRIFICE OF ISAAC
As we continue to read the account of Abraham’s life we discover that,
GOD ASKED ABRAHAM TO OFFER UP ISAAC
This is recorded for in,
Genesis 22:1-2
"[1] Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, "Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. [2] Then God said, "Take your son, your only son, Isaac, whom you love, and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains I will tell you about.""
Let us notice the following verse,
1 … God tested Abraham. As we will discover later He did this to see if Abraham's faith was genuine. As with Abraham, the born again believer may also find that God might test them.
In the case of Abraham, he obeyed God and,
THEY JOURNEYED TO THE PLACE OF SACRIFICE
To read about their journey we go to,
Genesis 22:3-8
"[3] Early the next morning Abraham got up and saddled his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. [4] On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. [5] He said to his servants, "Stay here with the donkey while I and the boy go over there. We will worship and then we will come back to you." [6] Abraham took the wood for the burnt offering and placed it on his son Isaac, and he himself carried the fire and the knife. As the two of them went on together, [7] Isaac spoke up and said to his father Abraham, "Father?" "Yes, my son?" Abraham replied. "The fire and wood are here," Isaac said, "but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?" [8] Abraham answered, "God himself will provide the lamb for the burnt offering, my son." And the two of them went on together."
Let us notice the following verses,
3 … Can we imagine what must have been going through Abraham's mind as he, his son, and servants set out on their journey to Mount Moriah? To be doing this, Abraham must have been absolutely sure that he heard the Lord's request. This is also a good object lesson for us. Specifically, when we are about to do or say something in the name of God, we must be absolutely sure that we have heard from Him.
6 … I believe this picture of Abraham walking beside his only begotten son, Isaac, who is carrying the wood for the sacrifice, provides us a foreshadowing of how God the Father would be with Jesus Christ, His only begotten Son, as He carried the cross for the sacrifice He would make for you and I.
8 … This verse provides us with some insight as to the faith of Abraham. As we will see in the letter to the Hebrews, Abraham was not lying to Isaac by telling him that God would somehow spare Isaac. Remember, God promised Abraham that it would be through Isaac that he would become the father of many offspring.
When they arrived at the designated place on Mount Moriah,
ABRAHAM WAS PREPARED TO OFFER ISAAC
Let us read from,
Genesis 22:9-10
"[9] When they reached the place God had told him about, Abraham built an altar there and arranged the wood on it. He bound his son Isaac and laid him on the altar, on top of the wood. [10] Then he reached out his hand and took the knife to slay his son."
At about this time it is not hard for us to imagine that Abraham’s faith was at the breaking point. It is not hard to imagine that Abraham, who dearly loved his only begotten son, was very close to stopping the whole thing. However, Abraham's faith in God prevailed and,
GOD INTERVENED AND PROVIDED A SUBSTITUTE FOR ISAAC
To see this let us continue our reading from,
Genesis 22:11-14
"[11] But the angel of the LORD called out to him from heaven, "Abraham! Abraham!" "Here I am," he replied. [12] "Do not lay a hand on the boy," he said. "Do not do anything to him. Now I know that you fear God, because you have not withheld from me your son, your only son." [13] Abraham looked up and there in a thicket he saw a ram caught by its horns. He went over and took the ram and sacrificed it as a burnt offering instead of his son. [14] So Abraham called that place The LORD Will Provide. And to this day it is said, "On the mountain of the LORD it will be provided.""
As a result of Abraham's faithfulness to God,
GOD RECONFIRMED HIS PROMISE TO ABRAHAM
This is recorded for us in,
Genesis 15-19
"[15] The angel of the LORD called to Abraham from heaven a second time [16] and said, "I swear by myself, declares the LORD, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, [17] I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the seashore. Your descendants will take possession of the cities of their enemies, [18] and through your offspring all nations on earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed me." [19] Then Abraham returned to his servants, and they set off together for Beersheba. And Abraham stayed in Beersheba."
The question is; “Was Abraham hard hearted toward Isaac that he was willing to kill him?” (Or) “Was there something more significant about Abraham's faith in God that enabled him to obey God's request?”
To find out let us read from,
Hebrews 11:17-19
"[17] By faith Abraham, when God tested him, offered Isaac as a sacrifice. He who had received the promises was about to sacrifice his one and only son, [18] even though God had said to him, "It is through Isaac that your offspring will be reckoned." [19] Abraham reasoned that God could raise the dead, and figuratively speaking, he did receive Isaac back from death."
Thus we find that Abraham's faith in God enabled him to obey God's command or will. This is also an object lesson for us. Specifically, we are to listen to God and obey His will for our life. To see this let us consider,
Matthew 7:21-23
[21] "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. [22] Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' [23] Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!'"
To gain more insight into the principle of how true faith produces good works, let us return to the Old Testament and read about,
THE EXAMPLE OF THE GENTILE RAHAB
At this point in time of Israel's history Moses had died and Joshua is about to lead the nation of Israel into the promised land of Canaan. However, before they cross over the Jordan River into Jericho,
JOSHUA SENT TWO ISRAELITES TO SPY OUT THE LAND
This is recorded in,
Joshua 2:1
"[1] Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. "Go, look over the land," he said, "especially Jericho." So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there."
What is interesting to note is that in addition to being a prostitute, Rahab and her family were Gentiles, that is she and her family were not Jewish.
However,
THE KING OF JERICHO FOUND OUT
This is recorded for us in,
Joshua 2:2-3
"[2] The king of Jericho was told, "Look! Some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land." [3] So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: "Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.""
Rahab disobeyed the King's order and instead,
RAHAB HID THE ISRAELITES
To see this let us read from,
Joshua 2:4-7
"[4] But the woman had taken the two men and hidden them. She said, "Yes, the men came to me, but I did not know where they had come from. [5] At dusk, when it was time to close the city gate, the men left. I don't know which way they went. Go after them quickly. You may catch up with them." [6] (But she had taken them up to the roof and hidden them under the stalks of flax she had laid out on the roof.) [7] So the men set out in pursuit of the spies on the road that leads to the fords of the Jordan, and as soon as the pursuers had gone out, the gate was shut."
After the danger passed,
RAHAB ASKED FOR MERCY FROM THE SPIES
We find this recorded for us in,
Joshua 2:8-13
"[8] Before the spies lay down for the night, she went up on the roof [9] and said to them, "I know that the LORD has given this land to you and that a great fear of you has fallen on us, so that all who live in this country are melting in fear because of you. [10] We have heard how the LORD dried up the water of the Red Sea for you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two kings of the Amorites east of the Jordan, whom you completely destroyed. [11] When we heard of it, our hearts melted and everyone's courage failed because of you, for the LORD your God is God in heaven above and on the earth below. [12] Now then, please swear to me by the LORD that you will show kindness to my family, because I have shown kindness to you. Give me a sure sign [13] that you will spare the lives of my father and mother, my brothers and sisters, and all who belong to them, and that you will save us from death.""
Let us notice the following verses,
9(a) … Rahab knew that God had given the land to Israel. In other words she knew it was God's will for the Israelites to have possession of the land of Canaan, which included Jericho.
9(b)-10 … Rahab told the spies that all the people were basically scared to death of the Israelites and of how the Lord fights for them.
11 … Rahab professed her faith that the God of the Israelites, who is our God, is the God of Heaven above and earth below. This faith enabled her to defy the King and submit to God's will.
12-13 … Rahab asked the spies to extend mercy to her family.
THE SPIES STRUCK A DEAL WITH RAHAB
This is recorded in,
Joshua 2:14-24
""[14] Our lives for your lives!" the men assured her. "If you don't tell what we are doing, we will treat you kindly and faithfully when the LORD gives us the land." [15] So she let them down by a rope through the window, for the house she lived in was part of the city wall. [16] Now she had said to them, "Go to the hills so the pursuers will not find you. Hide yourselves there three days until they return, and then go on your way." [17] The men said to her, "This oath you made us swear will not be binding on us [18] unless, when we enter the land, you have tied this scarlet cord in the window through which you let us down, and unless you have brought your father and mother, your brothers and all your family into your house. [19] If anyone goes outside your house into the street, his blood will be on his own head; we will not be responsible. As for anyone who is in the house with you, his blood will be on our head if a hand is la on him. [20] But if you tell what we are doing, we will be released from the oath you made us swear." [21] "Agreed," she replied. "Let it be as you say." So she sent them away and they departed. And she tied the scarlet cord in the window.
Let us notice the following verse,
21 … Rahab agreed and hung the scarlet ribbon in the window.
It is interesting to note that the scarlet, which is a dark red color, ribbon or cord was symbolic a blood covering. Let us recall that while the Israelites were in Egypt, it was the red blood covering over the door posts that saved the Israelites from God's wrath, which was the death of the first born. It is also noted that it is the red blood of Jesus Christ that saves us from the wrath God that is His punishment for our sins. Here, the red ribbon or cord would save Rahab and her family from God's wrath and the coming destruction and death of the people living in Jericho. We also find that,
RAHAB’S CONVERSATION ALSO STRENGTHENED ISRAEL'S FAITH
To see this let us now read from,
Joshua 2:22-24
[22] When they left, they went into the hills and stayed there three days, until the pursuers had searched all along the road and returned without finding them. [23] Then the two men started back. They went down out of the hills, forded the river and came to Joshua son of Nun and told him everything that had happened to them. [24] They said to Joshua, "The LORD has surely given the whole land into our hands; all the people are melting in fear because of us.""
As we continue our reading of the Old Testament we find that because of her faith in God and her obedience to hang the scarlet ribbon from her window, Joshua spared her and her family.
Joshua 6:25
"[25] But Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho--and she lives among the Israelites to this day."
We also find that because of her faith in God and the fruits it produced, God chose Rahab to be the mother of Boaz. Boaz is part of the physical lineage of our Lord Jesus Christ. This significance of this is twofold:
First of all,
IN GOD’S EYE RAHAB WAS JUSTIFIED.
Since no harm came to Rahab and her family, we know that God's wrath passed over them. Hence, she was justified in God's eyes. In other words, Rahab had right standing before God.
Secondly,
BECAUSE OF RAHAB THE GENTILES NOW HAVE A PART IN JESUS CHRIST'S LINEAGE.
To see this let us read from,
Matthew 1:1-5
"[1] A record of the genealogy of Jesus Christ the son of David, the son of Abraham: [2] Abraham was the father of Isaac, Isaac the father of Jacob, Jacob the father of Judah and his brothers, [3] Judah the father of Perez and Zerah, whose mother was Tama, Perez the father of Hezron, Hezron the father of Ram, [4] Ram the father of Amminadab, Amminadab the father of Nahshon, Nahshon the father of Salmon, [5] Salmon the father of Boaz, whose mother was Rahab, Boaz the father of Obed, whose mother was Ruth, Obed the father of Jesse,"
With all this in mind, let us now read
THE TWO MAIN MESSAGES OF THIS STUDY
First of all we discovered that,
BOTH JEW AND GENTILE ARE JUSTIFIED BY FAITH
To see this truth is summarized in,
Romans 3:27-30
"[27] Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. [28] For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. [29] Is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, [30] since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith."
And secondly,
FAITH WITHOUT WORKS IS DEAD OR NO FAITH AT ALL
A great explanation of this is provided for us in,
James 2:14-26
"[14] What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? [15] Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. [18] But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. [19] You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that--and shudder. [20] You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless ? [21] Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? [22] You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. [23] And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. [24] You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. [25] In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? [26] As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
Shall We Pray?