…and the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,” and he was called the friend of God.
James 2:23
Righteousness By Faith Is A Fulfillment Of Scripture
Abraham is a perfect example of someone who was declared righteous because he believed God. As a man who believed God, he was not only declared righteous but also he was known as a friend of God. Faith is how the men of old gained approval from God (Hebrews 11:2) and it is how we gain approval from Him today. This righteousness that comes by faith is now offered to the Gentile nations. Eternal life is available to anyone from any ethnicity, nation, or people group. This new covenant through faith in Jesus is a fulfillment of scripture. Perhaps there is no better explanation of this truth than Paul’s discourse on Abraham and faith. Consider the following passages:
Even so Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness. Therefore, be sure that it is those who are of faith who are sons of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham saying, “All the nations will be blessed in you.” So then those who are of faith are blessed with Abraham, the believer.
Galatians 3:6-9
We see the role that faith plays in our justification three times in this passage. First, it is those who place their faith in Jesus that can be called sons of Abraham. Secondly, justification and righteousness is given to everyone, including the Gentiles (non-Jews) by faith. Thirdly, it is faith that brings about the blessings of God on a life and an entire household. Notice that when God spoke to Abraham all those centuries ago, He was actually preaching the gospel to him. When God told Abraham “that all the nations would be blessed in him,” He was referring to the work of Christ in bringing salvation to everyone who would believe. But he goes on:
For as many as are of the works of the Law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not abide by all things written in the book of the law, to perform them.”
Galatians 3:10
When we add works as a means of either receiving salvation or keeping it, we place ourselves back under the curse of the Law. Those trying to maintain moral perfection as a means of being accepted by God, will not only fall short, but they are effectively forfeiting salvation and righteousness that comes by faith. I believe that this is why some professing believers are accusatory, faultfinding, finger pointing, bitter, and angry. They are not resting in the completed work of Christ. For those seeking justification through the Law, those people must abide by the Law completely and perfectly. They cannot stumble at any point. I believe these people have placed themselves under the curse of the Law and that is why we observe this bitter fruit flowing from their lives. Contrast that with someone who is declared righteous by faith. These people live by the power of the Spirit and produce fruits of love, joy, patience, kindness, and gentleness. These people are happy and live effective lives for the kingdom. We have a choice. We can receive our righteousness from God by faith or attempt to create our own through moral actions. But Paul continues:
Now that no one is justified by the Law before God is evident; for, “The righteous man shall live by faith.” However, the Law is not of faith; on the contrary, “He who practices them shall live by them.”
Galatians 3:11-12
It should be evident that no one will ever be justified before God by works of the Law. That means that no matter what we have done well or how many sinful behaviors we have avoided in our lives, our justification will only come by our faith in Jesus. This is offensive to the religious but it is music to the ears of sinners. The righteous “will live by faith” while the Law is not of faith. We must choose one or the other. The idea that we can mix our good works with our faith in Jesus as a means of obtaining righteousness is misguided and destructive. We can either determine to live according to the Law (perfectly) or we can admit our inability to live up to that standard and ask God to save us on the basis of faith. The former comes out of pride while the latter requires humility. But Paul has one more thing to say:
Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”— in order that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we would receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Galatians 3:13-14
Jesus became a curse for us so that we would not longer be under the curse of the Law. This means that when we place our faith in Jesus, the blessing of Abraham is ours. Forgiveness, salvation, righteousness, and justification are also ours on the basis of faith. We receive the Spirit of God into our lives and it is His presence that gives us hope and a confident future. The message of righteousness by faith is one worth defending. We should always be ready to share this wonderful news with everyone in whom we come in contact. So put on the breastplate of righteousness and move confidently into the battle.
Putting on the breastplate of righteousness means:
- Being made right with God
- Knowing that this righteousness comes by faith in Jesus
- Understanding that righteousness by faith is a fulfillment of scripture
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