Faith, Belief and Righteousness

And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.  (Genesis 15:6, NKJV)

(Abram, meaning father of many, later had his name changed by God to Abraham, which means father of many nations. This passage calls him Abram but I’ll refer to him by his more commonly used appelation.)

This verse is so significant to God’s eternal plan for mankind that Paul four times cites it (Romans 4:1-3, 9-10, 19-24; Galatians 3:5-7) in explaining justification by faith. This passage is also the first time the words, “believe,” and, “righteousness,” are used in the Bible. (Guzik, David, https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/genesis-15/). Before Moses gave the Law under the Old Covenant, before the rite of circumcision was commanded, Abraham simply believed God and he was counted righteous before God because of it.

Notice that God started the conversation with Abraham with encouragement, saying, “‘Do not be afraid . . .. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.’” In an example of open, honest prayer to God, Abraham’s response was essentially, “That’s all well and good, but my name means, ‘father of many,’ and I’m childless. I’m happy to have You as my protection and You are enough of a reward, but this land you’ve given me as an inheritance is due to go to my servant, if things don’t change.”

Are you that forthright with God? He wants us to cry out to Him with our needs, not simply mutter pious platitudes of praise or worn-out words of worship. He knows your heart; go ahead and tell Him what’s on your mind. When you do so, listen for His reply, as Abraham did. Hear His promises to you, believe them passionately and hold on to them with all you’re worth. He is your shield and reward and wants to work on your behalf! Trust Him.