Threads of Truth

In studying Romans, we find quite apparently, that there is a common thread in the Bible, that stretches from the Old Testament to the New Testament. How amazing is it that "redemption" appears from the old but finally, and perfectly, through the new after Jesus' death and resurrection. What other religious article or book can boast that commonality? These books, written by various authors and various times, with different tones and grammar, combined show how God BREATHED this word, His Word, so that it would be available to us if we so humbly read it.

In the New Testament, prophecies of the Old Testament are fulfilled, and people and events are mentioned again. We can see God's handiwork in all things, strange or familiar.

Paul, in his letter to Rome, and in Romans Chapter Four, he speaks of Abraham, and how he believed in God, and "it was credited to him as righteousness" (4:3). He further explains that it was Abraham's righteousness that allowed him to receive the promise that was to be his, and therefore, the righteousness through faith. And through this faith, we receive our redemption from sin, when we believe. It was not through the law, but "the righteousness that comes by faith (v. 13)."

Romans 3:23-24 "For all have sinned an fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus."

As Paul was trying to express that the old law had no hold on one's salvation, but through faith, those receiving the letter would need to rethink their own faith in God..Abraham's God. How do we think of our faith?

Do we think we need to just obey the church's laws?

Rules set up clearly in the Bible, which are true and right, of course..

Or do we first set ourselves completely in the act of FAITH, in the belief that He is the author and perfector of our salvation. Philippians 1:6 says, .."he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

It's a wonderful thought that we will not be left on our own, for we cannot be redeemed in the first place on our own. Through our faith, tentative at first if that may be, we will be carried by grace through our Christian walk, and be increasingly confident in His promise to us that we have obtained our salvation. Amen, and amen.