“And therefore ‘it was accounted to him for righteousness.’” (Romans 4:22; Genesis 15:6).
When the Philippian jailer asked Paul and Silas at midnight, “Sirs, what must I do to be saved?” (Acts 16:30), Paul’s immediate and emphatic answer was “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved” (Acts 16:31).
No honest Bible student can conclude Paul was using the word “faith” in his answer to be referring to the faith demons have, the faith James describes as profitless, dead, and useless (James 2:15-20). The faith which justifies is like Abraham’s—trusting, strong, confident, full of conviction, and active.
It trusts God’s promises, respects God’s prohibitions, heeds God’s warnings, and obeys God’s commands. It does not come through presumption but by hearing the word of God (Romans 10:17) and acting accordingly.
In Scripture, Abraham’s active faith is the role model for all sinners—Jew and Gentile alike. Both Paul (Romans 4:16-22) and James (James 2:21-24) quote Genesis 15:6’s declaration that Abraham’s vibrant, tenacious, obedient faith resulted in his being accounted as righteous before God.
To be justified by faith like Abraham was, your faith’s thriving taproot must be fed by “it is written”.
To be justified by faith like Abraham was, your faith ought not waver at any promise or commandment of God.
To be justified by faith like Abraham was, your faith ought to be fully convinced that God is able to perform anything/everything He has promised.
Being justified by faith like Abraham was: provides peace with God (Romans 5:1), access into grace (Romans 5:2), joy (Romans 5:2), and the hope of glory which spawns perseverance, character, and an even richer hope which never disappoints (Romans 5:2-5).
