Not Written for Abraham's Sake Alone Romans 4:23

Paul the apostle told the Jews in Rome how Abraham “staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God”, and he added, “And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.” In chapter four and verse twenty-three of Romans, Paul shared how Abraham's belief, “was not written for his sake alone” where we read:

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

The verse begins, “Now it was not written for his sake alone, ...” Paul began with the word, “now” which means “at this time and present moment” “it was not written” or “the righteousness obtained by faith in Abraham was not delineated or formed in letters on a tablet, parchment, paper or other material” “for his sake” which refers to “on behalf of Abraham himself” “alone” or “solely or only”. Paul share how the promise of God was not “written” for only “Abraham” himself.

The verse goes on to say, “... that it was imputed to him;” Paul added the words, “that was imputed” which means “which was reckoned, accounted, computed, calculated and counted” “to him” or “to Abraham”. Paul noted how the God's righteousness was “reckoned and accounted” to Abraham.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see the openness for every person to receive the “promise” of God. God accounted Abraham “righteous” because of his “belief”, and He will count those “righteous” who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. This “promise” was not written for Abraham alone, and the promise of “everlasting life” is available for everyone as well.

Next time Paul tells the people in Rome how God's promise was written, “for us also, to whom it shall be imputed”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.