The Mystery of Abraham's Works that do and don't Justify

[robert derrick]

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

We see in Romans 3, the first question of how it profits to have been a natural Jew born under the law, even though neither Jew nor Gentile is justified by Christ without faith.

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

We see in Romans 4, the question pertaining to Abraham himself after the flesh.

The context of these two chapters therefore pertains to the flesh, and so works of the flesh as by law, such as outward circumcision.

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

No outward deed of the law justifies any man, including Abraham, as though any man could boast by not breaking the law and the covenant, such as by not being circumcised in the flesh on the 8th day according to the law.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

We see in James 1-2 however, that the context is that of faith and works of faith, which Abraham is the father of and called a Friend of God.

No man is justified by any obedient work of the flesh as by law, such as outward circumcision.

But the work of faith as by love, which was against the flesh in offering up his only son Isaac, is what justifies all men by faith: works of the law are of the flesh, but works of faith are against the flesh.

No man is justified by the deeds of the law in the flesh, but all men are justified by the works of faith that crucify the flesh for Jesus' sake.

 

[Behold]

No man is justified by the deeds of the law in the flesh, but all men are justified by the works of faith that crucify the flesh for Jesus' sake.

God justifies us based on the Cross of Christ.
He accepts our Faith, the moment we trust in Christ .. as "Faith is counted as Righteousness".
The Proof that God accepted our faith, ONCE, to give us eternal Salvation that was completed by Christ on the Cross 2000 yrs ago is the end result.
The end result is to become "born again" by the Spirit of God, INTO The Spirit of God.
This is to become INSTANTLY, a Son/Daughter of God, = "new creation IN Christ".

 

[robert derrick]

Abraham's offering up of Isaac was foreshadowing the cross of Jesus Christ, and is the example of Christians crucifying the flesh on our own cross.

We believe Jesus died on His cross to forgive us of our sins and be saved, and we believe the God of Israel, as did our father Abraham, to take up our own cross against our own flesh, so as to be justified as our father Abraham by works of faith.

The faith alone that is dead, is without the work of faith to take up our cross daily with Jesus, and so lose our own life in the flesh, that we may find His life and walk in the Spirit.

Those whose deeds and works of the flesh in transgression of the law of Christ, are not justified by the faith of Abraham nor of Jesus, because they are not doing the first works of faith that Abraham did in offering up Isaac, his own flesh and blood, and Jesus did on the cross unto death of His own flesh.

Those who believe they are saved and justified by Christ, through faith alone in His death on His cross, are not the children of the faith of Abraham, because they refuse crucify their own carnal deeds on their own cross, even as Abraham was doing in a figure in offering up Isaac.

Those who are not crucifying the sinful deeds of their own flesh, would not have offered up Isaac.

 

[robert derrick]

God justifies us based on the Cross of Christ.
He accepts our Faith, the moment we trust in Christ .. as "Faith is counted as Righteousness".
The Proof that God accepted our faith, ONCE, to give us eternal Salvation that was completed by Christ on the Cross 2000 yrs ago is the end result.
The end result is to become "born again" by the Spirit of God, INTO The Spirit of God.
This is to become INSTANTLY, a Son/Daughter of God, = "new creation IN Christ".

Not without offering up our own lives on our own cross, even as Abraham did his own flesh and blood son Isaac.

No man is a born again new creature in Christ, while the old man of sin still lives on in the sinful works of the flesh. Since you don't even speak of offering up your old life on your own cross, you would not have offered up Isaac as Abraham did. And so, you are not justified by such works of faith, because your dead faith is not that of Abraham nor of Jesus.

Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.

This is the work of faith of our father Abraham that justifies us as Abraham, so that we are no more friends of the world and enemies of God, but by the faith of Abraham and Jesus we are now called friends of God: even as Abraham offered up his own son, so must we also offer up our own lives.

Until this work of our own cross is done, our faith is dead and airy doctrine alone.

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

 

[mailmandan]

God justifies us based on the Cross of Christ.
He accepts our Faith, the moment we trust in Christ .. as "Faith is counted as Righteousness".
The Proof that God accepted our faith, ONCE, to give us eternal Salvation that was completed by Christ on the Cross 2000 yrs ago is the end result.
The end result is to become "born again" by the Spirit of God, INTO The Spirit of God.
This is to become INSTANTLY, a Son/Daughter of God, = "new creation IN Christ".

Amen! Romans 4:2 - For if Abraham was justified (accounted as righteous) by works, (works in general) he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it (faith, not works) was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

In James 2:21, we notice closely that James does not say that Abraham's work of offering up Isaac resulted in God accounting Abraham as righteous. The accounting of Abraham's faith as righteousness was made in Genesis 15:6, many years before his work of offering up Isaac recorded in Genesis 22. The work of Abraham did not have some kind of intrinsic merit to account him as righteous, but it showed (James 2:18) or manifested the genuineness of his faith. That is the "sense" in which Abraham was "justified by works." He was shown to be righteous.

The not saved by works of the law but saved by works of faith argument that works-salvationists (including Roman Catholics) often use in order to "get around" the truth here is bogus. Works of faith are still works and we are saved through faith, not works. Paul made is clear that we are not saved by works (Ephesians 2:9); not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.. (Titus 3:5); He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works.. (2 Timothy 1:9). So it's works in general that do not save us.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works.

Paul made is clear that we are not saved by works (Ephesians 2:9); not by works of righteousness which we have done but according to His mercy He saved us.

He saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works.. (2 Timothy 1:9). So it's works in general that do not save us.

But:

“…Be not highminded, but fear: For if God spared not the natural branches, take heed lest he also spare not thee.” (Romans 11:20-21)

 

[Ferris Bueller]

What advantage then hath the Jew? or what profit is there of circumcision? Much every way: chiefly, because that unto them were committed the oracles of God.

We see in Romans 3, the first question of how it profits to have been a natural Jew born under the law, even though neither Jew nor Gentile is justified by Christ without faith.

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

We see in Romans 4, the question pertaining to Abraham himself after the flesh.

The context of these two chapters therefore pertains to the flesh, and so works of the flesh as by law, such as outward circumcision.

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

No outward deed of the law justifies any man, including Abraham, as though any man could boast by not breaking the law and the covenant, such as by not being circumcised in the flesh on the 8th day according to the law.

Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?

We see in James 1-2 however, that the context is that of faith and works of faith, which Abraham is the father of and called a Friend of God.

No man is justified by any obedient work of the flesh as by law, such as outward circumcision.

But the work of faith as by love, which was against the flesh in offering up his only son Isaac, is what justifies all men by faith: works of the law are of the flesh, but works of faith are against the flesh.

No man is justified by the deeds of the law in the flesh, but all men are justified by the works of faith that crucify the flesh for Jesus' sake.

We know being made righteous (being justified) is not a matter of doing the right works by this:

"11Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, 12not by works (good or bad) but by Him who calls" Romans 9:11-12
​

The example of the Patriarchs shows us it's never been about works being able to make you righteous. It's always been about being elected on the basis of faith - faith in God's promise to provide a son that would inherit the blessing on your behalf (so that no man can boast).

As brother dan points out in his post, James isn't even talking about being made righteous. He's talking about being shown to be righteous. Faith that is alone lacks the evidence to show that you are a new creation through faith in God. Faith that works is what shows that you have the righteousness that comes through faith.

"18...Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2:18​

 

[MatthewG]

One must think too of what Paul admits in 1 Corinthians 15.

There is resurrection for the just and the unjust, there are different 'glories' in resurrection each spiritual body not being the same. And what you do with your own life now in being fruitful, multiplying, having dominion while here will all determine what happens after this life in the eternal aspect of life.

The flesh is only here and now.
The Spiritual can be built here and now while living in the flesh, building on Christ having faith, love towards God and towards others.

God will bestow each individual with their own unique spiritual body which I believe is going to be given to each person right when they die and leave this earth if they are not brought back to life by say cpr, or a doctor.

That is something perhaps goes untaught for most however it is taught in the bible that there are differing resurrection one for the unjust, and the just however Paul also mentions about the (outer resurrection) - Found in I believe in the book of Philippians which He was striving to obtain and that is very much an open possibility for any other believing Christians can strive towards as well, by being fruitful and having faith with love towards God and others.

 

[Ferris Bueller]

Abraham's offering up of Isaac was foreshadowing the cross of Jesus Christ, and is the example of Christians crucifying the flesh on our own cross.

Abraham offering Isaac up on the altar showed that he had faith in God's promise that he was the son that would inherit the blessing. He was so sure of the promise that he figured God would just raise him up from the dead in order to keep his promise to him (Hebrews 11:19). And so Abraham showed by his obedience his faith in the promise of God - the faith he had years ago and for which God counted him righteous. Of course that's a picture for us of how we, also, are counted righteous when we believe in God's promise of a Son who would live to inherit the blessing, even though he die. Like Abraham, we believe that the son of promise lives to inherit the blessing on our behalf despite being offered up to death on an altar of sacrifice. And it is for that faith that God counts us as righteous.

 

[Behold]

so as to be justified as our father Abraham by works of faith.

God came here as Christ on the Cross to offer you, the Righteous that you must have, or He cannot accept you.
So, to teach that you do anything that He will accept, as a means of being accepted, DENIES the REASON Jesus Came here to DIE>.
So, your Cross Rejection, that you veil in "faith speak", is an insult to the Cross of Christ and a Denial of the Grace of God, Robert.
And not just you, as there are about 5 of you, running around here promoting your "works' as if they are EQUAL to God's = Cross Of Christ.
What is that?
That is SELF RIGHTEOUSNESS DECEPTION.... that pretends it can EQUAL The Blood of Jesus and The Death of Christ by doing works.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

it's never been about works being able to make you righteous.

It is after you’re converted, for:

“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous. He that committeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. For this purpose the Son of God was manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.” (1 John 3:7-8)

 

[Behold]

: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

You can't do any righteousness, as you don't have any, Michiah-Imia, of yourself.
You are a SINNER, = having NO RIGHTEOUSNESS.
So, when you read a verse that talks about DOING "RIGHTEOUSNESS"< that is not a verse that is talking about doing WORKS.
As our WORKS are "filthy rags", having no righteousness.
The only Righteousness is GOD's. And to have this, having received "the GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"< is how you "doeth Righteousness".

You are confused, and are confusing doing nice things, good deeds, as if that is "doing righteousness", and its not.

"righteousness" is not a DEED, its a STATUS........Its a SINLESS CONDITION, that is only given by God to a BELIEVER, and they become "made RIGHTEOUS"...forgiven of ALL SIN, by Christ on the Cross.

 

[Ferris Bueller]

Those who are not crucifying the sinful deeds of their own flesh, would not have offered up Isaac.

Those who don't have the faith of Abraham and the righteousness it secures would not have offered up Isaac. Offering up Isaac is the evidence of Abraham's righteousness, not the procurer of it. James is using the example of Abraham to show that the righteousness that comes by faith is evidenced by it's obedience:

“for now I know that you fear God, since you have not withheld your only son from me.” Genesis 22:12
​

His obedience SHOWED his faith in God.

"18...I will show you my faith by my deeds." James 2:18​

 

[Michiah-Imla]

WORKS are "filthy rags", having no righteousness.

Only for unsaved sinnners.

Because Paul says:

“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:13)

And the believers good works does this:

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16)

Your Bible knowledge is lacking.

The only Righteousness is GOD's

“Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.” (1 John 3:7)

I’m not letting you deceive me.

You are confused

 

[MatthewG]

People do righteous actions by Christ living with-in them, and they make a choice to abide in Him, allowing God to work on the individual by faith, reading the bible (learning and growing in knowledge of God and spiritual things), our flesh always falls short therefore when a person tries to justify their own fleshly actions - which promotes pride (look at what I did, rather than having thankfulnes to God to allow him to be able to work in and through you to make 'good' thing happen). Pride in the flesh has to die, and to die to the pride that comes up is to die with Christ, become buried with him giving up our old life, and living in the new life provided by the Lord Jesus Christ. Then the Spirit start to move us to have love for God, and the spirit help us have love for others, and to have peace, hope, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, long-suffering, forbearing as one goes through this life.

 

[Ferris Bueller]

You can't do any righteousness, as you don't have any, Michiah-Imia, of yourself.
You are a SINNER, = having NO RIGHTEOUSNESS.
So, when you read a verse that talks about DOING "RIGHTEOUSNESS"< that is not a verse that is talking about doing WORKS.
As our WORKS are "filthy rags", having no righteousness.
The only Righteousness is GOD's. And to have this, having received "the GIFT OF RIGHTEOUSNESS"< is how you "doeth Righteousness".

You are confused, and are confusing doing nice things, good deeds, as if that is "doing righteousness", and its not.

"righteousness" is not a DEED, its a STATUS........Its a SINLESS CONDITION, that is only given by God to a BELIEVER, and they become "made RIGHTEOUS"...forgiven of ALL SIN, by Christ on the Cross.

Don't you get it?
Righteous behavior shows you 'is' righteous.
Don't even comment about the bad grammar. I'm using it to make the connection to 1 John 3:7.

The person who does not live righteously does not have the righteousness of faith to produce those works of righteousness. That's why 'faith alone' (faith that is devoid of works) can not save. It is fake faith. It is a 'faith' that did not solicit God's imputation of righteousness. You just think it did. This is a very important truth for the church today that is chock full of people who think they are saved/born again and ready to meet Jesus when he comes back while they live in the deadness of their not born again lives. And they have plenty of misguided preachers to make them feel good about a salvation they don't really have. There will be no reward for that labor in the field and building of God. They are oblivious to what it means to "make your calling and election sure."

 

[Behold]

Only for unsaved sinnners.

Because Paul says:

“Neither yield ye your members as instruments of unrighteousness unto sin: but yield yourselves unto God, as those that are alive from the dead, and your members as instruments of righteousness unto God.” (Romans 6:1

That verse you posted is not talking about your works.
That verse is talking about yourself.

Like this..

= "Present your body, a living sacrifice"......not your "works"..... bible denier.

Its says yield your MEMBERS....as "instruments of Righteous'.....thats yourself, not your "works'... deceiver.

A deceived person like you who can't read, and certainly can't discern a bible verse, says...>"the instrument to be yielded" which is the 'YOURSELF"...

You just said its the "works" that are yielded because you can't read english and God knows you can't understand a verse.
Truthfully, You should not be trying to teach anything, you should be very quiet and try to learn.
But, that is not is going to happen, as a Galatians 1:8 like you can never learn., as your spiritually deceived condition, prevents your learning.
But it does not prevent you from hearing yourself talk, which is your ministry of strife.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

'faith alone' (faith that is devoid of works) can not save. It is fake faith.

BINGO!

 

[Behold]

Don't you get it?
Righteous behavior shows you 'is' righteous.

Listen Mr Works. Mr , here i am again talking about my works to try to save myself.

RIGHTEOUSNESS< is God on the Cross.
Not your carnal self righteous works that you believe keeps you saved.

 

[Michiah-Imla]

A deceived person like you that can't read

you can't read english and God knows you can't understand a verse

you can never learn., as your spiritually deceived condition

Your light isn’t shining brother.

You ain’t bringing any glory to God.

“But he that hateth his brother is in darkness, and walketh in darkness, and knoweth not whither he goeth, because that darkness hath blinded his eyes.” (1 John 2:11)

“But if thine eye be evil, thy whole body shall be full of darkness. If therefore the light that is in thee be darkness, how great is that darkness!” (Matthew 6:23)

Change course brother.

Change course please.