We've all heard the following question. Which came first: the chicken or the egg? Paul in this section asks, "Which came first: works or faith?" He continues on his discourse regarding obtaining righteousness. The Jews think of Abraham to be their father, the one who started it all. Abraham was instructed to be circumcised; therefore, a Jew could say that Abraham was justified because of his obedience in circumcision. One point for the Jews. Paul says in verse 2, "If Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory, but not before God." Recall on that point for the Jews. If Abraham received righteousness because of something he did, he could only brag about himself. There would be nothing God had to do with it. However, Abraham believed "and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
As I study God's word, I make marks in my Bible. In this section, I circled words that dealt with works. This, in my opinion, included the words "sign" and "seal" in verse 11. I also boxed the words dealing with belief or faith. This helps me to keep track of the main ideas in a passage as I am studying it. These two concepts are the base of this passage of scripture. So, I repeat Paul's question. Which came first: works or faith?
Verse 4 says that for the one who works to obtain salvation, the reward is not given of grace but of debt. Take a moment and allow that to "sink in." Do you want to be regarded as one who is in debt to God? God, who is all-powerful, all-knowing, and perfect, holds something over your head. You, who are completely depraved and hopeless, as defined and explained in earlier sections, owe God something. I don't know how that sounds to you, but it sounds pretty hopeless to me. I would NEVER be able to pay God back if that's how the system worked. If I were to earn my own salvation, I would exhaust myself to no avail trying to merit something that is impossible. I never want to be in debt to God.
God's plan is so much more wonderful! Paul says that to the person who believes God imputes righteousness without works. There's nothing that I need to DO to EARN it. the word "impute" paints a lovely picture of salvation. According to Dictionary.com, Impute means, "to attribute (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to a person or persons vicariously; ascribe as derived from another." We are awarded righteousness upon faith on what Christ already did. His own righteousness and perfection is attributed to sinners, who enjoy the justification vicariously. Christ took our place on the cross, so we could enjoy His place as the blessed, perfect One. We are sons of God because of our acceptance of His sacrifice.
Paul doesn't leave the issue of Abraham's circumcision alone. He wrote that circumcision was a sign of the faith whereby Abraham was justified. It was just a seal of the righteousness he had already obtained. This makes me think of the book of James. Works cannot justify us. It cannot procure our salvation. However, it is the sign of our salvation. James proclaimed, "Try to show me your faith without works, and I'll show you my faith by my works." Works is not the agent which saves, but it is the manifestation of faith that has already saved.
What do your works say about you?
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