6 March 09
Friday of the First Week in Lent
"Abraham Counted Righteous by God for His Faith"
(Romans 4:1-12)
How can a sinner ever be accepted by a righteous and Holy God?
This was the question that exercised the mind and soul of the great Reformer, Martin Luther Luther was a monk who applied himself diligently, and sometimes even mercilessly, to the rigours of the monastery. But still he was unable to find peace. No matter how hard he tried, he felt that his efforts were not enough. He was still a wretched sinner who could not meet God's standard of holiness required of him.
But as Luther studied the Scriptures, he discovered in its pages the gracious God who invites him to simply put his trust in Him. This discovery was truly liberating for Luther. Salvation is based on our humble, trusting acceptance of the grace that God has made available in Jesus Christ. It is not attained by the works we do to merit God's love. Rather salvation comes to us when we put our faith in the God of love.
The profound truth that Luther discovered is clearly taught in this passage in Romans. Abraham was not justified because of his works. If that were the case, then Abraham would indeed have something to boast about. Abraham was made righteous because of his faith in God.
Like Luther, John Newton also came to understand this wonderful truth. And as he reflected on the grace of God, Newton wrote these famous words:
Amazing grace, how seet the sound
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
-Dr Roland Chia,
Dean, Postgraduate Studies, Trinity Theological College
Commitment:
Lord, I wish to surrender all my struggles and uncertainties to you.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to always put my trust in you. Amen.
Friday of the First Week in Lent
"Abraham Counted Righteous by God for His Faith"
(Romans 4:1-12)
How can a sinner ever be accepted by a righteous and Holy God?
This was the question that exercised the mind and soul of the great Reformer, Martin Luther Luther was a monk who applied himself diligently, and sometimes even mercilessly, to the rigours of the monastery. But still he was unable to find peace. No matter how hard he tried, he felt that his efforts were not enough. He was still a wretched sinner who could not meet God's standard of holiness required of him.
But as Luther studied the Scriptures, he discovered in its pages the gracious God who invites him to simply put his trust in Him. This discovery was truly liberating for Luther. Salvation is based on our humble, trusting acceptance of the grace that God has made available in Jesus Christ. It is not attained by the works we do to merit God's love. Rather salvation comes to us when we put our faith in the God of love.
The profound truth that Luther discovered is clearly taught in this passage in Romans. Abraham was not justified because of his works. If that were the case, then Abraham would indeed have something to boast about. Abraham was made righteous because of his faith in God.
Like Luther, John Newton also came to understand this wonderful truth. And as he reflected on the grace of God, Newton wrote these famous words:
Amazing grace, how seet the sound
That sav'd a wretch like me!
I once was lost but now am found
Was blind but now I see.
'Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears reliev'd;
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believ'd!
-Dr Roland Chia,
Dean, Postgraduate Studies, Trinity Theological College
Commitment:
Lord, I wish to surrender all my struggles and uncertainties to you.
Prayer:
Lord, teach me to always put my trust in you. Amen.
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