Lent Reading: Romans 4:13-25 

We need faith for grace. In Romans 4 the Apostle Paul says Abraham, while he and his wife Sarah were unable to conceive, was given the promise by God to be “the father of many nations”. This is grace. God in his generosity appointed Abraham for this promise. Abraham did not have to win a competition, perform mighty feats or be morally perfect. God in his grace picked Abraham.  

God’s grace invited Abraham to respond. If you know Abraham’s story from Genesis 12-21, his responses were mixed. Abraham had a few attempts at achieving the promise his way, and in his time. He struggled with faith. God was patient with him and Sarah. By Genesis 22, through the test of nearly sacrificing his son Isaac, Abraham showed he arrived at responding to God’s grace with faith. Paul summarises Abraham journey by stating, 

“Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised” Romans 4:20-21 

Abraham’s life shows we need faith to receive grace. Paul writes in verse 16, “the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace.” If we try to earn God’s promises, they are no longer gifts, they are payments. If we receive God’s promises as gifts, and trust him to be faithful, they are received as grace. 

Abraham shows us what our life in Jesus is like. Like Abraham, our responses are mixed. We do things our way, in our time. We can struggle with faith. Thankfully, God has grace for us. He is patient. Waiting for when our faith receives his grace. Waiting for us to trust in his incredible promises given to us through Jesus. 

In Him, 

Jason 

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