God’s Truth for Trying Times - 8/16/21

We need God’s truth in trying times. Read the Scripture passage, think about what it is saying, then pray; by yourself or with your household. Let the Word of Christ dwell in you richly (Col. 3:16).

READ: James 2:21-23

Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness"--and he was called a friend of God. [James 2:21-23 ESV]

CONSIDER: This is not advocating salvation by works. This is advocating justification by grace through faith in Christ. Abraham believed God's promise and God credited that to him as righteousness. The gospel was preached beforehand to Abraham, even before the Law came in, to show that righteousness is by God's grace through God's gift of faith.

THINK: What does this declare about God? What are God’s people being called to do? What assurance is given? How does the Word of God transform our hearts and lives and relationships?