A Clay Jar

Encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. (1 Thess. 2:12 NIV)

Being Fully Persuaded

Romans 4:20-22

Published on:

Last updated on:

Yet he [Abraham] did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Romans 4:20-22 NIV

In Genesis 15:5-6, we find a passage that was very important in Paul’s theology. God promised Abraham that he would have descendants as countless as the stars in the sky. Abraham believed what God had told him. And, because of that belief, God considered him as being righteous. Abraham’s righteousness did not come about because of anything that he did. But simply because he believed what God had told him. Even though, in his old age, it didn’t make any sense from a human perspective.

Fully Persuaded

But Paul went beyond thinking that belief was simply an intellectual exercise. He said that Abraham was fully persuaded that God had the power to do what he had promised. Being fully persuaded, without wavering through unbelief, implies that he lived his life as though that promise was guaranteed. He lived believing that he would have descendants, even though he and Sarah were both old and childless.

As Paul goes on to say, the crediting of righteousness based on belief was not just for Abraham. But also for all who believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead. Our justification is not based on what we do. But on our faith in God and what he has done for us. Not just an intellectual acknowledgment, but a life-changing faith that leads us to follow Jesus as Lord.

Additional Related Posts

If you have found value in this post, please consider sharing it with your friends.

Subscribe to A Clay Jar

If you have found value in this post, please consider subscribing to A Clay Jar so that you don't miss any other posts. 

Ed Jarrett

Just an old clay jar that God continues to see fit to use in his kingdom's work. I am retired, married with 2 children, and 4 grandchildren. I have followed Jesus for many years. And I love to share what He has given me from His word.

A Note to Readers

The views expressed here are solely mine and do not necessarily reflect those of any other person, group, or organization. While I believe they reflect the teachings of the Bible, I am a fallible human and subject to misunderstanding. Please feel free to leave any comments or questions about this post in the comments section below. I am always interested in your feedback.

Leave a Comment