Friday, August 15, 2008

Faith or Dedication?

Romans 4: 1-8

"What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness." Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin."

Romans 10:1-4

"Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for them (Jews) is that they may be saved. I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, (they're dedicated) but not according to knowledge. For, being ignorant of the righteousness that comes from God, and seeking to establish their own, (dedicating themselves) they did not submit to God's righteousness. For Christ is the end of the Law for righteousness to everyone who believes."

Galatians 3:10-13

"For all who rely on works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, "Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them." Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the Law, for "The righteous shall live by faith." But the Law is not of faith, rather "The one who does them shall live by them." Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law by becoming a curse for us."

1 comment:

Jamie said...

Faith, faith, faith...and as Ann Lamott says I don't have a Plan B.
I'm closing my eyes and jumping. Next stop- Jesus' arms!