18th February, 2025.
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Romans 4:1-8 AMP
"[1] What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather humanly speaking, has found? [Has he obtained a favored standing?] [2] For if Abraham was justified [that is, acquitted from the guilt of his sins] by works [those things he did that were good], he has something to boast about, but not before God. [3] For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).” [Gen 15:6] [4] Now to a laborer, his wages are not credited as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation [something owed to him]. [5] But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believes and completely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (right standing with God). [6] And in this same way David speaks of the blessing on the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: [7] “Blessed and happy and favored are those whose lawless acts have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered up and completely buried. [8] “Blessed and happy and favored is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account nor charge against him.” [Ps 32:1, 2]"
Faith; the Key to blessing 🌧️
The blessings of God are innumerable. However, in order to access them we need faith. Many Christians do not understand the potency of faith.
We were all sinners, before we received the redemption of Christ through faith. How can we explain it? Once a slave, now a freeborn! Not just a freeborn, but an heir to a promise. The promise of justification and righteousness through faith in Christ. The grace of God is unfathomable.
How do you tell it? That you are justified into right standing with God by the death of one man who died centuries ago.
The meaning of Righteousness 🤍
Righteousness is the ability to commune with God. To relate with him, to inherit his blessings, and partake of his nature.
The opening verse tells us that it wasn't because of Abraham's good conducts that he became righteous. It was his perception of already being right with God even as a sinner that made him become righteous.
Faith is believing, and believing affects your conscious state of mind. When you are conscious of sin, you sin. But when you are God minded, you walk in life and Holiness.
Faith reconditions the mind 🌴
Romans 8:6 AMP
"[6] Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever—because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God—both now and forever]"
Faith is that which reconditions your mind. You cannot believe without your mind. When you sin, you are conscious of your sinful nature. You condemn yourself. You are guilty, and then you withdraw from God's presence out of guilt.
The opening scripture tells us of a special species whose iniquities are covered. The greater blessings of God is given to those who walk with God. When God calls you and says "Pearl, (put your name there) walk before me and be made perfect," you become sinless.
The realm of the Friends of God 🤝
"Blessed is the man to whom no sin is imputed". This may disrupt the theology you are aquatinted with, but it is true! This blessing is for the highest realm of faith. It takes walking with God to access this blessing. You are justified, glorified and exalted. Your foolishness is turned into wisdom. None of your steps slide... And in you there is no death.
"What shall we then say that Abraham our father hath found?" This is the KJV translation for the opening verse. This is a hidden wisdom. And when you walk in the knowledge of this truth, you activate this.
In this realm, there is no condemnation, no corruption, no destruction. No accusation, no separation. The benefactors of this benediction are those who have earned the title "friend of God." This category of persons know the mind of God, the plans of God, and the mysteries of God.
Such was King David of Israel who wrote about the agony of the Messiah long before his coming, (Psalms 22). Such was Abraham who was forewarned of the doom- laden of Sodom and Gomorrah. Such was Moses who received the tablet of the ten commandments with the handwriting of God inscribed boldly on it. Such was even the Messiah. The Bible tells us that Jesus was without sin.
Jesus himself said that anyone who says to his brother "You fool!" Is in danger of going to hellfire. He cursed a fig tree, he abused the teachers of the law, he flogged his elders out of the temple. To him, no sin is imputed.
Even Enoch— who was translated that he should not see death — walked in this realm...
To walk with the spirit of God is to be at the centre of God's perfect will. To do exactly what he has called you to do. When you obey this divine purpose you are immune to Sin. You cannot sin, and when you do, your sins are blotted out. This is a state of perfection. A perfect heart, a perfect will, a perfect alignment. Once God declares you righteous, and justifies you, who can condemn?
The Assurance Of God's love 🫂
Romans 8:31, 33-35, 37-39 (ESV)
"[31] What then shall we say to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?
[33] Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. [34] Who is to condemn? Christ Jesus is the one who died—more than that, who was raised—who is at the right hand of God, who indeed is interceding for us. [35] Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?
[37] No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. [38] For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, [39] nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord."
Guard Your Heart shield 🛡️
However remember that the wages of sin is death. Sin is rebellion against the will of God. If you are actively stationed at the centre of God's perfect will, how can you rebell?
It's important to note that one can fall into corruption when the heart is defiled with pride, envy, hatred, bitterness, jealousy and rebellion.
The Bible makes reference to the wicked as one who resists the plans of God.
Believe in the Jealousy of God's love, he is able to order your steps and keep your feet from falling.
So any man, who is at the centre of God's perfect will is considered righteous, because it is by faith he walked his way there. Faith is right standing with God. It is only by faith we please God. It is the "friends of God" that are justified.
Come Boldly before God 🪜
So when you do something wrong, come boldly before the presence of God. Not in pride, but meekness, honesty and brokenness. Obtain grace and mercy to walk your way into the center of God's perfect will.
Never allow guilt, shame, or fear cast you out of your place of devotion and fellowship with God. No! That's when you should shut yourself up longer in prayer and worship.
Nothing can separate you from the love of God. Hallelujah!
Shalom.
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