Read Romans 4:1–15
What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it
was credited to him as righteousness.”
Romans 4:3
Dr. Harry Ironside, for eighteen years pastor of Moody Church in
Chicago, told of visiting a Sunday school class while on vacation. The
teacher asked, “How were people saved in Old Testament times?” One
man replied, “By keeping the law.” “That’s right,” said the teacher. But
Dr. Ironside interrupted: “My Bible says that by the deeds of the law
… shall no flesh be justified” (Rom. 3:20 KJV). The teacher asked,
“Does somebody else have an idea?” Another student replied, “By
bringing sacrifices to God.” “Yes!” the teacher said. But Dr. Ironside
interrupted, “My Bible says that the blood of bulls and goats cannot
take away sin” (see Heb. 10:4). By this time the teacher was sure the
visitor knew more about the Bible than he did, so he said, “Well, you
tell us how people were saved in the Old Testament!” Dr. Ironside
explained that they were saved by faith—the same way people are
saved today (Eph. 2:8–9)!
The Bible says that Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). He is the father of all who
believe on Jesus Christ and are justified by faith (v. 11).
Something to Ponder
Since faith was behind the ceremonies of the Old Testament, what
should faith inspire you to do today?