In chapter 4 of Romans, Paul is trying to impress on us something very significant about Abraham’s encounter with God in Genesis 15:1. “After all this, the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision”. Christians believe that God speaks personally to people and calls them by name. We see this repeatedly through Scripture. God spoke to Moses in the bush that did not burn. God spoke with Solomon when he dedicated the Temple. God, Jesus, spoke with Paul on the road to Damascus. Abraham’s righteousness is linked to a personal encounter of specifically hearing God’s word and believing. Unlike the Baals of the time that were regional or were topical, Abraham encountered a God that was personal, knew him and came to him. And this happened before circumcision when he was living in a culture with multiple gods like the Romans or like the United States today. Abraham believed God as a heathen, Gentile.
Secondly God initiates the gift of righteousness. Abraham did not earn him righteousness; he was gifted because of his faith. Paul gives a secondary support in verses 7 and 8 of chapter 4 by quoting King David from Psalm 32.
- God “credits” righteousness.
- God “forgives” iniquities.
- God “covers” sin.
- God “does not record” sin.
God speaks to us personally and as we respond in faith, we are gifted with credit, with forgiveness, with covering, and with a clean record. Those four ways of talking about righteousness are huge. Take one of the pictures here and think about it. For example, “cover” brings to mind being tucked into bed at night under my favorite quilt made by my grandmother. I’m warm. I’m safe… Take one of the words and run with it as you pray! Blessings.
On the Way to Wonder 