Faith without religion.
Abraham’s Faith and Righteousness
In a recent teaching, we delved into the profound lessons from Acts 7:4-5, where Stephan recounts the story of Abraham. This passage, though brief, encapsulates the essence of righteousness before God and the core of Christian faith. Stephan’s speech highlights Abraham’s journey, emphasizing that despite God’s promise of land, Abraham lived a life of wandering without a permanent home. This narrative challenges the conventional view of righteousness as mere moral purity or good deeds.
The story of Abraham teaches us that righteousness in God’s eyes is rooted in faith and trust in His promises. Abraham believed God’s promise of countless descendants, even when it seemed impossible. This faith was counted to him as righteousness. This principle is echoed throughout scripture, from Abel’s offering to Noah’s ark-building, and even in the story of Rahab, the harlot, who was deemed righteous through her faith.
The teaching underscores that righteousness is not about living a sinless life but about trusting in God’s promises. This trust is what pleases God and makes us righteous before Him. The world often opposes this faith, urging us to rely on our own understanding and strength. Yet, as believers, we are called to live by faith, trusting in God’s promises, even those we may not see fulfilled in our lifetime.
In conclusion, the life of Abraham serves as a powerful reminder that faith is the foundation of our relationship with God. It is through faith that we are justified, sanctified, and made righteous. As we navigate the challenges of life, let us hold steadfast to our faith in God’s promises, knowing that it is this faith that pleases Him and secures our place in His eternal kingdom.
