Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Galatians 3:6-9.

 

“⁶ Even so Abraham BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS RECKONED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.  ⁷ Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.  ⁸ The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”  ⁹ So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.”  Galatians 3:6-9.

 

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Abraham believed God’s promise that God would give to him descendants as numerous as the stars in the heavens even though Abraham was old at that time without any children.  “In hope against hope he believed, so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.”  Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah’s womb;  yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.  Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”  Romans 4:18-22.

 

This is also the gospel.  “The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “ALL THE NATIONS WILL BE BLESSED IN YOU.”  Verse 8. 

                                        

“Now not for his (Abraham’s) sake only was it written that it (righteousness) was credited to him, but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.”  Romans 4:23-25.  We believe that Christ was raised for the blessing of our justification.   

 

True faith seeks a blessing a/k/a reward.  “And without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.”  Hebrews 11:6.

 

Abraham exhibited faith in seeking a reward.  “After these things the word of the LORD came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not fear, Abram, I am a shield to you;  Your reward shall be very great.”  Genesis 15:1

 

Boaz, a redeemer-kinsman and type of Christ, encouraged Ruth to seek a reward as part of her faith and blessed her.  “May the LORD reward your work, and your wages be full from the LORD, the God of Israel, under whose wings you have come to seek refuge.”  Ruth 2:12

 

We fear the LORD and are humble, seeking a reward as part of our faith.  “The reward of humility and the fear of the LORD Are riches, honor and life.”  Proverbs 22:4

 

We believe the LORD is a Savior and a Rewarder.  “Behold, the LORD has proclaimed to the end of the earth, Say to the daughter of Zion, “Lo, your salvation comes;  Behold His reward is with Him, and His recompense before Him.”  Isaiah 62:11

 

We endure insults and persecution through faith which believes and seeks a reward.  “Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great;  for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”  Matthew 5:11-12. 

 

We love our enemies through faith which believes and seeks a reward.  “But love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return;  and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High;  for He Himself is kind to ungrateful and evil men.”  Luke 6:35

                                      

Moses endured ill-treatment having faith that there would be a reward.  “By faith Moses, when he had grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin, considering the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt;  for he was looking to the reward.”  Hebrews 11:24-26.

                        

We wait patiently believing our Lord God brings a reward with him.  “Behold, the Lord GOD will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him.  Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him.”  Isaiah 40:10

 

We persevere in faith, trusting God “who WILL RENDER TO EACH PERSON ACCORDING TO HIS DEEDS:  to those who by perseverance in doing good seek for glory and honor and immortality, eternal life;”  Romans 2:6-7.

 

The Heidelberg Catechism teaches that true faith seeks all the blessings of salvation in Christ:  “… they, who by a true faith receive this Savior, must find all things in him necessary to their salvation.”  Answer to Question 30.      

 

And so, we are called to believe God and be blessed with Abraham.  “Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham.”  Verse 7.  “So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.”  Verse 9.