ASLC Devotions - Tuesday

Romans 4:13

For the promise that he would inherit the world did not come to Abraham or to his descendants through the law but through the righteousness of faith.

Today let’s think about genealogy, confirmation, circumcision, and missing Bible verses.

Have you ever noticed on Sunday morning when the scripture readings skip over some verses, beginning with verses 1-5 of a Bible chapter and then, leaving out a few verses, continuing on with verses 13-17? Ever check to see what those verses have to say?

The verse above is where last Sunday’s Second Reading picks up after such a break. In between is a discussion about whether Abraham’s faith was reckoned to him (counted or regarded to him) before or after he was circumcised. According to the law, forgiveness of sins came only to those who did what was required by the law. But following the law by being circumcised did not bring Abraham to faith in God. Abraham had that faith already. He had the righteousness (acting according to the law; freedom from guilt) by faith, a gift from God. The circumcision was merely an outward sign to show that he was faithful to God and God’s law. It served as a confirmation that he already believed God’s promise for him and all his descendants: forgiveness and grace!

We’re all descendants of Abraham and we too have received the gift of forgiveness and grace. Celebrate your family heritage – you’re sins are covered by righteousness through faith.

Doug Williams

This Lent, we are sharing the offerings of members of All Saints who worked together to create a daily Lenten devotional book. Join us for worship Sunday morning at 8:30 and 11. Wednesday, we will have supper at 6:15 and worship at 7 as we meet a woman healed on the sabbath in our series "Christ on Trial." Visit http://www.allsaintspalatine.org for full calendar and information and respond to this email message to request to be removed from our distribution list.