Romans 4:6-8, 23-25

Spend time in prayer and silence with God, asking Him to meet with you and speak to you.

Bible Reading

David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven; whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him.” The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him (Abraham) alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

– Romans 4:6-8, 23-25

Devotion

In the above text, Paul quotes from Psalm 32. While Abraham did not live under the Law—David did. However, although David lived under the Law, David knew he could never be saved under the Law. And therefore, David describes the blessing that comes when God imputes righteousness without works. Psalm 32:1-2 describes the outcome of David’s great sin and his confession and acceptance which followed. David deliberately broke the law. He didn’t do it ignorantly. He knew what he did, and he was forgiven. In essence, David is saying that joyful is the man whose sin the Lord will not put to his account. David was a great sinner. But God put away his sin (read 2 Samuel 12:13). Paul closes out this chapter by connecting Christ’s death and His resurrection. Our faith is not only in the sacrificial death of Jesus but also in His resurrection from the dead. Matthew Henry put it like this: “In Christ’s death He paid our debt; in His resurrection He took out our acquittance.” God justifies those who believe in the death and resurrection of Christ.

The Big Question

How have you responded to the death and resurrection of Jesus? Do you have the joy of knowing that your sins are forgiven and that you are found in right standing with God; not because of self-righteousness but because of God’s righteousness?

Conclude your time in prayer and silence, reflecting on what God revealed to you today.