People must be convinced that the only way that they can be right with God is not by good works or religious ritual, but rather through faith in Jesus. Paul has already stated this (3v21-26) and he now uses Abraham as an example to prove his point. Was Abraham justified (right in God’s sight) by either good works or by being circumcised? (v1-2) The answer is neither, as Abraham was justified through faith alone (v3). This was not something he earned or deserved but rather a gift of grace (v4).

As David said, the person blessed of God is the person whose sins are taken away (v5-7). This is what Jesus came to do for Abraham, David and for all believers. It is faith in this Jesus that makes us right. We must believe that Jesus alone has achieved this for us by His death on the cross for sin.

Some Jews were arguing that more is needed; observing the law, being circumcised, but as Paul points out, Abraham was justified before these things came into his life (v9-13). We must believe that it is not what we do but what Jesus has done that will save us. As the hymn puts it so well, we have to come before the Lord with the words ‘Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to thy cross I cling.’ Is this the faith that you have today?