Illustration of Faith: Abraham

Romans 4:16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham's offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.

Have you ever wonder why salvation is free? Have you ever wonder why faith is all we need? Many people try to disprove everyday, this fact that salvation or the saving of our souls by the forgiveness of our sins through CHRIST death is the only way. That's why people do so many things to suffice the payment of their sins. But who can pay it? Who is qualified enough to pay it? No one! Because no one is righteous.

We give to charity, we pray, we read the bible, we attend Sunday worship, but none of these will forgive you of your sins. How can charity, prayer, reading the bible, Sunday worship tell you that you are forgiven? Are they God, to say speak out knowledge? No practice can forgive you! No movement can forgive you! But only Jesus Christ who forgiven our sins on the cross.

How can we be forgiven? By believing that Jesus died on the cross for us and on the third day He rose again. Now who forgave us? Jesus. What is the difference? Jesus, is God. Charity is not.

So don't think that by doing things -- you are being forgiven. Jesus Christ answered your forgiveness by your faith in Him. And this is grace -- "undeserved, unmerited favor." This is grace because He didn't need to see you act obediently to forgive you. This is grace because He didn't wait to see you change for the good to forgive you. He died for us while we are sinners.

Like Abraham, He did not wait for the day of Isaac's birth to proclaim Abraham's righteous. Because Abraham's righteousness, is by faith, by believing. As it is written "the promise comes by faith."

Now, what is works then? It is the result of your faith in Jesus Christ.