Walking in the Steps of Faith

The Basis of Our Righteousness

(Romans 4:9-12)

The Jews believed that circumcision made them acceptable to God. This may seem difficult to understand, yet Christians also have a tendency to believe that religious ceremonies—including baptism, the Lord’s Supper, and even public worship—guarantee salvation.

1. The Reason We Are Accepted
Abraham was justified by faith fourteen years before God commanded him to be circumcised. Therefore, the claim that circumcision made him righteous cannot stand. Circumcision was not the cause of his righteousness, but a sign confirming the righteousness he had already received. In the same way, we are accepted by God not because we participate in religious ceremonies or attend worship, but because of the grace of God, who has mercy on us, and because of the righteousness Christ accomplished.

2. The Source of Grace
This does not mean that we may take ceremonies such as the Lord’s Supper and baptism, or public worship, lightly. God has established worship and various ceremonies in the church so that believers may serve Him with joy, keep their hearts reverent, and enjoy special spiritual fellowship with Him. When we participate in them with faith and experience grace, it is not because of any power within the ceremony itself, but because God is the One who gives grace. Therefore, our eyes must be fixed on God.

3. Walking in the Steps of Faith
Abraham is the father of all who walk in the steps of the faith he had while still uncircumcised. Even an uncircumcised Gentile is his spiritual descendant if that person follows the faith Abraham showed. But even a Jew is not his true descendant if he does not follow that faith. What matters is not a mark in the flesh or a history of religious practice, but faith that depends entirely on God. God treasures that faith and freely clothes us with the righteousness Christ accomplished. Let us no longer try to establish our own righteousness, but hold firmly to the righteousness of Christ alone.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim