Abraham Believed God

What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness. 

Romans 4:1-3

Justification by faith has always been the way God accepts humanity for salvation. Paul knew this. For that reason, as he begins to expound justification by faith, he starts with Abraham. The verse he quotes, which he introduces with the question, ‘For what does the Scripture say?’ comes from Genesis. It is the first definitive articulation of justification by faith. That it occurs where it does, and that Paul uses it as he does, indicates he understood that this is the only way God has ever accepted humanity since the fall. Adam and Eve were operating under a covenant of works. Once they broke that covenant God introduced to them the covenant of grace. That has been the prevailing regime ever since. Paul uses Abraham as his first example because both Judaism and others recognize him as their father. It is important for us to recognize that God justified Abraham by faith, so we are clear that justification has never, since the fall, been by works. Once we realize this, we become well aware all whom the Father has given to Christ are justified by faith and that it has always been so. Abraham believed God and so do we.  

Great God of Wonders, 
we rejoice in Your justifying grace. 
We praise You that from the beginning, 
it has always been so. 

Tomm Tice
Where the Bush is Burning