Today’s devotion comes from Romans 4:1-8.
“1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”
4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.
5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,
6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
7 “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
8 “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” Romans 4:1-8.
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Justification by faith is a gift: “being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” Romans 3:24.
Justification by faith is a favor: “Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.” Romans 4:4.
Justification by faith is an unearned credit: “But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,” Romans 4:5.
Justification by faith is a blessing: “just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
“BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” Romans 4:6-8.
“BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN,
AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED.
“BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT.” Romans 4:6-8.
We can focus so much on the faith element of justification by faith that we do not sufficiently appreciate the gift element of justification by faith. This Scripture’s emphasis and repeated use of these words: “gift”, “favor”, “credited”, and “blessing” should cause us to focus on God and His amazing grace, rather than focus on us and our faith, as if we could generate such faith by ourselves and thereby boast.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 