The promises of God, as revealed in the Holy Scriptures, are foundational to the Christian faith. They are assurances given by God to His people, encompassing blessings, guidance, and eternal life. A central theme in understanding these promises is their connection to the righteousness of faith. This concept is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative and is pivotal in the life of a believer.

Righteousness of Faith Defined

The righteousness of faith refers to the right standing before God that is granted to individuals not by their works, but through their faith in Him. This principle is most clearly articulated in the writings of the Apostle Paul, particularly in the Book of Romans. Paul emphasizes that righteousness is credited to those who believe in God, as exemplified by Abraham, the patriarch of faith.

Biblical Foundation

In Romans 4:3, Paul cites Genesis 15:6, stating, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." This verse underscores the idea that faith, rather than adherence to the law, is the means by which individuals receive God's promises. The Berean Standard Bible further elucidates this in Romans 4:13: "For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world was not given through the law, but through the righteousness of faith."

The Role of Faith in Receiving Promises

Faith is the conduit through which believers access the promises of God. Hebrews 11, often referred to as the "Faith Chapter," provides numerous examples of individuals who, through faith, received God's promises. Hebrews 11:1 defines faith as "the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see." This assurance and certainty are crucial for believers as they trust in God's promises, even when they are not immediately visible.

New Testament Fulfillment

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of God's promises through Jesus Christ. In Galatians 3:22 , Paul writes, "But the Scripture pronounces all things confined by sin, so that by faith in Jesus Christ, the promise might be given to those who believe." Here, the promise of salvation and eternal life is made available to all who place their faith in Christ, transcending the limitations of the law.

The Promise of the Holy Spirit

One of the most significant promises given through the righteousness of faith is the gift of the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 1:13-14 , Paul explains, "And in Him, having heard and believed the word of truth—the gospel of your salvation—you were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the pledge of our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God's possession, to the praise of His glory." The Holy Spirit serves as both a seal and a guarantee of the believer's inheritance, affirming the promises of God.

Living by Faith

The life of a believer is marked by a continual reliance on the righteousness of faith. In 2 Corinthians 5:7 , Paul succinctly states, "For we walk by faith, not by sight." This walk of faith involves trusting in God's promises, even when circumstances seem contrary. It is through this faith that believers are empowered to live righteous lives, reflecting the character of Christ.

Conclusion

The promises of God, accessed through the righteousness of faith, are a testament to His unwavering faithfulness and love for His people. They invite believers into a relationship with Him that is not based on human effort but on trust and belief in His Word. As Christians embrace this righteousness of faith, they find assurance in the promises of God, which are "yes" and "amen" in Christ (2 Corinthians 1:20).Romans 4:13,16
For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Justification by Faith --Illustrated by Abram's Righteousness
... I can believe all the promises in regard to other people ... is the faith which justifies;
let us seek more and more of it, and God shall have glory through it ...
/.../justification by faithillustrated by abrams.htm

Thirteenth Sunday after Trinity God's Testament and Promise in ...
... promise hath been made; and it was ordained through angels by ... one.21 Is the law then
against the promises of God? God forbid: for if there had been a law given ...
/.../luther/epistle sermons vol iii/thirteenth sunday after trinity gods.htm

St. Paul, all Through, Promises Eternal Life to the Body.
... sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal ... donative of eternal life, he undoubtedly
promises to the ... so also grace might reign through righteousness unto life ...
/.../on the resurrection of the flesh/chapter xlvii st paul all through.htm

What is Justifying Faith?
... when, with my whole heart, I regard the promises of God as ... of sins, grace, and all
salvation, through Christ the ... with respect to this, namely, that God makes a ...
/.../the apology of the augsburg confession/part 3 what is justifying.htm

Like Precious Faith
... obtained like precious faith with us through the righteousness of God and our ... a
moment after, 'exceeding great and precious promises.' Now look ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture ephesians peter/like precious faith.htm

God's Covenant with Abram
... God is too wise a father not to know the ... The frequent reiterations of the same promises
in Abram's ... the thoughts of his characters, breaks through his usual ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/gods covenant with abram.htm

On Justification
... promise of the new covenant, in which God promises that he ... we might be the righteousness
of God in him ... cause of justification is Christ through his obedience ...
/.../the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xlviii on justification.htm

Faith and Life
... unto you through the knowledge of God, and of ... that pertain unto life and godliness,
through the knowledge of ... us exceeding great and precious promises: that by ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 10 1864/faith and life.htm

Sanctified by Faith
... to Kadesh Barnea, who had all the promises of God ... their land of rest, their very
own; God had promised ... we, the spiritual seed of Abraham through faith in Christ ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/byers/sanctification/chapter vi sanctified by faith.htm

Salvation by Faith
... in his blood, to declare his righteousness for (or by ... and coming short of the great
and precious promises. Thus have they "peace with God through our Lord Jesus ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 1 salvation by faith.htm

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