Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness… He grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God. – Romans 4:3, 20
The widely known Harry Potter series gives the main character many powers and objects that serve him in his endeavors. One of them is his invisibility cloak – a blanket-like covering that allows Harry to be in the presence of someone without them knowing he was there. His ability to hide was a way of getting information, but it was also a concealer of protection.
There are many today who find sin relatively unimportant or even non-existent. To some, a good deed will balance out any wrong-doing; to others, forgiveness is more like forgetting and they feel it comes naturally to the god in which they believe. But Bible commentator D. Stuart Briscoe states correctly that “those who realize that forgiveness entails ‘a taking away’ and a ‘covering so that it becomes invisible to God’ as well as the willingness of God to accept accountability for human sin while relieving man of responsibility, also know that this requires more than human activity – in fact, nothing less than divine intervention. Only the grace of God can initiate such an act of mercy and only the open hand of faith can receive such blessedness. Such is the forgiveness that comes through faith.”
Abraham’s complete faith in God, despite unmatched difficulties, resulted in blessings that have extended through the ages. The Lord did not call him righteous because of his good life and works, but because of his faith. Today, pray that those in darkness in this nation will see the light of the divine intervention of God’s Son into this world, the forgiveness offered as Christ took on the sin of every human and made it invisible to God. Only believe!
Today’s Verse: Romans 4:3, 20
For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”… No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Recommended for further reading: Psalm 32:1-2, 10-11; 33:1-5
1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven,
whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity,
and in whose spirit there is no deceit.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord.
11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous,
and shout for joy, all you upright in heart!
1 Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!
Praise befits the upright.
2 Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;
make melody to him with the harp of ten strings!
3 Sing to him a new song;
play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts.
4 For the word of the Lord is upright,
and all his work is done in faithfulness.
5 He loves righteousness and justice;
the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord.
All Scripture quotations and audio are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
