Romans 4:1-15
Paul explains that the relationship Abraham had with God was based on faith, not following Jewish law, nor Jewish identity. At that time some segments of Jewish people had turned their faith into a belief system that required religious actions for a person to be accepted by God (and stated that this was possible without a personal spiritual heart-felt devotion). We earn punishment for our mistakes. The loving grace and mercy that God gives us, we receive as an undeserved gift. We see this as God gives approval based on Abraham’s decision of faith (not based on if he had followed the rules in the past). Paul shows the relevance of this truth to us today. Our reasonable response would be to immediately accept the grace of God through Jesus and “repent”, turning away from our toxic selfishness (by changing the way we are thinking and changing the direction of our lives). This is only possible through Jesus.