Salvation by Faith

Today we pick up our study in Galatians 3:6, “Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now Paul compares our faith and salvation to that of Abraham. In Romans 4:9-11, the Apostle Paul tells us that Abraham’s salvation came as a result of faith and not works when he said, “…for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.”

In other words, Abraham’s circumcision took place many years after he was actually accounted righteous by God; thus works were not involved in his righteousness. We find these accounts in Genesis 15:1-6 where it was declared by God that Abraham’s faith in the promises that God had given to him had made him righteous and in Genesis 17:9-10 when the ordinance of circumcision was actually given. What we see here is that salvation by faith is not new to the New Testament. Prior to the Law, Abraham was saved by his faith as well.

Notice v.7, “Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.” Have you ever heard the song, “Father Abraham had many sons and I am one them and so are you. So let’s just praise the Lord.” Just as Abraham was saved by faith, so are we; thus we are the children of Abraham.

Notice v.8, “And the scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the heathen through faith, preached before the gospel unto Abraham, saying, In thee shall all nations be blessed.” The concept of God blessing, much less offering salvation to the Gentiles was not even an option to the Jew of Paul’s day. Yet, the Scripture says that God had a plan of salvation for the Gentiles in view even at the time of Abraham! That’s great news for us Gentiles! Jesus said in John 10:16 “And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd.”

Noticev.9, “So then they which be of faith are blessed with faithful Abraham.” Just as God blessed Abraham because of his faith, so he will bless us as well if we have faith. Want to be blessed? – Have faith!