“In the same way, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.” The real children of Abraham, then, are those who put their faith in God. What’s more, the Scriptures looked forward to this time when God would declare the Gentiles to be righteous because of their faith. God proclaimed this good news to Abraham long ago when he said, “All nations will be blessed through you.” So all who put their faith in Christ share the same blessing Abraham received because of his faith.” ‭‭Galatians‬ ‭3:6-9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Using Abraham as an example of faith, Paul states the fact that being made right with God has always been by faith. Abraham lived before the law of Moses was given. Citing Genesis 15:6 (Galatians 3:6), Paul makes the case that God imparts His righteousness to those who exercise faith in Him. God has always been looking for those who have genuine trust in Him. Faith isn't an acknowledgment of God's existence, it is confidence in who He is and what He can do. Hebrews 11:1 and 6 say: “Faith is the confidence that what we hope for will actually happen; it gives us assurance about things we cannot see. And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” NLT‬‬

We are called children of Abraham, not children of Moses. The reason is simple- we are people of faith, not law. The law was given to establish social civility and stability, to establish moral boundaries, and to set in order the ceremonies by which the children of Israel could approach God. Without the regulations of the law, man was left to suffer the total depravity that sin had brought. Since God could not reside in man any longer because of his sin, the law was a schoolmaster to escort us to the place where we would acknowledge God's Holiness and our utter sinfulness. The law could never save man from his condition, it could only give him a temporary means of interaction with God. These laws were written on stone and papyrus. God wanted His character and Holiness written on our hearts. The written law would never accomplish that. Through faith in the shed blood of Jesus Christ we are cleansed from sin. This places us in right standing with God (justification). Then, and only then, can the Holy Spirit come to reside in the body of the believer. The Holy Spirit is God in us. He is the person and presence of God in the believer. He is the law of God in our hearts. We do not have to strive to keep a regulation, we simply desire to please God because of our relationship with Him. The Holy Spirit helps us understand and obey the things of righteousness, He convicts us when we sin, He comforts us when we are hurting, and He assures of of God's grace, peace, and love.

Prayer for today: Father, in Jesus name, I thank you for loving me so much that You refused to leave me in darkness. Through Your Son Jesus I now walk in the light. By Your Holy Spirit, help me live a life honorable to Your Holy Name!