Daily Word

Now to one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one whom God counts righteousness apart from works; “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.” Romans 4:4-8. It is a general principle that wages are earned by work, not received as “a gift”. Although faith was Abraham’s action, it contributed nothing to Abraham’s resultant righteousness before God, which was God’s own gift. In this sense, while faith as the instrument of justification involves human activity, it is not a “work” of merit. Blessedness, fellowship with God together with all its accompaniments, and salvation are not earned, but are the effect of the gift of forgiveness.