TRUSTING GOD-LIVING IT OUT
Trusting God and Living It Out
Righteousness for Abraham isn’t a single moment but a pattern throughout the Bible. The Old Testament account of the testing of Abraham’s faith shows us that God credits righteousness to him because of his faith (Genesis 15:6), and that faith is proven by costly obedience (Genesis 22). Both Hebrews 11 and James 2 explain how faith and works together justify him. For us, the example is that trust grounds us in our faith, and faithfulness manifests in action, demonstrating our right standing with God.
First, let's consider for a moment “Faith” credited as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). The passage reads, “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” God counts Abraham as righteous by faith, not because he’s sinless. God declares Abraham righteous because he trusts God and His promises. Faith, not flawless behavior, becomes the ground for God’s verdict and shapes the course of Abraham’s life, demonstrating that trust becomes obedient living.
Secondly, Genesis 22 records the climactic test: “And they came to the place which God had told him of… and bound Isaac his son, and laid him on the altar, and stretched forth his hand to slay him.” The angel of the LORD stops him: “Lay not thine hand upon the lad… for now I know that thou fearest God, seeing thou hast not withheld thy son, thine only son from me.” Abraham’s righteousness, though credited by faith, must bear fruit in obedience, even at significant cost. The example of faithfulness here isn’t merely believing God’s promises but trusting in Him to act even when obedience entails sacrifice.
In Hebrews (Hebrews 11:8–9, 17), the Hebrews writer is showing that Abraham’s faith isn’t just inward belief, it’s faith in action. He places Abraham with others who have demonstrated trust in God through their works. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out into a place which he should after receive for an inheritance, obeyed; and he went out, not knowing whither he went” (11:8–9). And “By faith Abraham, when he was tried, offered up Isaac, and he that had received the promises offered up his only begotten son” (11:17). True saving faith is active, enduring, and aligned with God’s promises, even when the destination is uncertain, the trials severe, and the cost is excellent. James (James 2:21–24) speaks directly to faith and works: “Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar?” (2:21). “Seeth how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect” (2:22). “And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness; and he was called the Friend of God” (2:23). “Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only” (2:24). Thus, genuine faith produces works of righteousness and Abraham’s willingness to sacrifice Isaac demonstrates such faith.
Therefore, Genesis 15:6 anchors righteousness as God’s gracious verdict based on faith that matures through obedience under trials (Gen 22; Heb 11:8–9, 17). This faith has been verified by works (James 2:21–24). Even in Scripture, Abraham isn’t portrayed as perfect, but as a pattern of faithfulness visibly lived out for God’s glory.
So, let us always trust God’s promises, obey Him even at great cost, and let faith be demonstrated in actions that reflect the love of Christ.
~ Casey Clement