IT WAS COUNTED TO HIM AS JUSTICE
Key Verse 15:6
This passage was quoted by Paul to support his theology that man is justified by faith but not by works. Therefore, studying this part from the point of view of justification by faith is important. However, we will study it more from the point of practical faith.
1. Abram was depressed (1-3)
Abram had sort of fallen into a crisis. Some time ago, he had proven himself to be an inescapable conqueror. Now he felt invaded by various negative feelings. First, sadness. He had gone to war to save Lot to the detriment of his time and material, but after saving his relative, he could not bring him back from his evil path in Sodom. Then fear. Abraham refused Bela's proposal and made his clear choice of faith in God with Melchisedek. The diplomatic relationship with Bela and his allies became therfore complicated and he found himself in the midst of enemies. Finally, bitterness. God appeared and said, "I am your shield, your reward will be great." But his bitter heart came to refuse to believe Him.
2. Abram believed in God (4-6)
When Abram insisted on his idea for the heir, God persuaded him that something different would happen. Then he took him outside and had him count the stars. Was this the Creator's best way to change the fixed idea of his creatures? Our God educates us through His creation. With his eyes open, Abram departed from human reasoning, negative calculations and thoughts. Little by little the incredulity deeply rooted in him began to be distilled to finally give place to faith. When God declared that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars, he believed in God. He believed that Almighty God would work beyond the human cul-de-sac, and that He was faithful to keep his promise without fail. When Abram believed his Word, God counted him as righteous. This means that he was justified by faith and at the same time he was forgiven of all sin. This was actually a huge blessing for Abram.
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