28/01/2021 - BLESSEDNESS OF FAITH

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Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. Romans 4:9

The blessing of faith is yet to be discovered, for it is completely different from any belief, from the proclaimed doctrines about what belongs to us Christians, and the respect that one should have for God. Without knowing the faith displayed by the Savior in the days of His ministry, we miss out on divine operations as seen at the beginning of the church and act like the religious ones.

Jesus came to set an example for us in all things, from the knowledge concerning the Father to the prayers said by the sick, to be healed, and by the demon possessed, to be set free. There is little difference between the statements in the Bible and the situations involving those who claim to be from the Lord. Most of them act as if they do not know their rights in Christ. It is worth learning and taking hold of them. 

Apparently, this was one of Paul’s great struggles in his days with God’s people. Many, after converting, acted with religiosity, when, in fact, they should behave as sovereign over all matters. The apostle taught: Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free (Galatians 5:1). But, because they didn’t understand the blessed teachings of Scriptures, the saved acted as if they were strange to the Lord. 

The Word is clear in saying that we do not receive blessings for merit or any other reason (Ephesians 2:8), except through faith, which comes when we listen to the Word (Romans 10:17). As long as the children of God do not learn to use the authority of the Name of Jesus, which He himself ministered to deliver those afflicted, they will not live in the position in which He promoted them. The Savior assured that He will do whatever we ordain in His Name (John 14:13). Do you believe that?

Many Christians believed that those physical circumcised were in a better condition to receive the Lord´s wonders. This shows us that they didn´t understand anything about faith. Likewise, there are people in our churches who wrongly believe that way. What we received from the hands of the Most High is given to us by faith. 

We don’t know why circumcision was instituted, but it was an ordinance for the Hebrew boys. Moses didn’t pay much attention to it. Thus, the Lord met him and sought to kill him (Exodus 4:24b). Upon seeing that, his wife Zipporah took a sharp stone and cut off the foreskin of her son, calling Moses a man of blood (verse 25). This physical act was a symbol of the spiritual work to be carried out amongst the saved. It was like a mark that the person belonged to the Lord. 

This requirement ceased to exist with the coming of the Perfect Law of Freedom, the Gospel. Paul said to the Galatians: if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing (Galatians 5:2). Faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness before he was circumcised, when he left his land in obedience to God. So, have genuine faith in the Lord and be considered a true servant of Him!

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares