Guaranteed for Life
Opening Prayer
Thank You, God, for the blessings You have given to me—especially the gift of salvation!
Read Romans 4:13–25
For additional translations of the passage, use this link to Bible Gateway.
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Reflect
Take time to think for a few moments about what God has done for you. Why are you thankful?Some people have a family they are proud of, and loving care, provision and security seem guaranteed. However, not everyone in our world is that fortunate. But here is a guarantee from God that’s certain for all people, whoever we are.
Through faith and belief in Jesus we have been brought into the family of Abraham—and, ultimately, of God. Of course, we fail in trying to live up to God’s standards (15), but here is the hope of God’s promise—guaranteed (16).
God brings life out of death. Abraham knew God’s promise about being the father of many nations (18). His body was past it—as good as dead (19)! Yet he kept on believing in God’s promise (20)—and as a result he became the ancestor of Jesus, who is the guarantor of our salvation.
Under the surface of all of Paul’s explanations, there is the quiet truth about Jesus. Finally, he spells it out. Jesus died for our sin, but God raised him to life (25). For all who believe in him, we have been put right with God—guaranteed for life (16).
Apply
Find a praise song (or create your own!) that describes your thankfulness to God. Sing it to him.
Closing prayer
Loving Father, I honor You today. May my life be a living praise to You.
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