What happened when Abraham believed God?
When Abraham believed God, his faith was accounted to him for righteousness. Scripture states he did nothing else—no sacrifice, no commandments, no baptism—but simply believed God, and that belief was credited as righteousness. This illustrates justification by faith apart from legalistic works, as Paul argues in Galatians.
Les explains that in Galatians 3:6, 'Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.' He emphasizes that Abraham did nothing else to earn it—he didn't bring a sacrifice, keep a set of commandments, or get baptized in the river Jordan. The only thing he did was believe God. Paul uses this as an illustration of faith, showing that the Galatians did not come into their glorious position as believers by law keeping but by faith, by believing the Gospel. This stands in contrast to legalism, which appeals to the human concept of having to do something. Paul's doctrine says we do nothing but rest on and believe what God says He has finished on our behalf—the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ.
Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
More Questions
What did Abraham do to be counted righteous?
Abraham did nothing besides believe God — he brought no sacrifice, kept no set of commandments, and was not baptized in the Jordan — yet his believing was accounted to him for righteousness.