He Believed in the LORD
“And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”Genesis 15:6 (KJV)
Long before the law was given, before a single sacrifice on an altar of the tabernacle, Abraham stood under the stars and heard a promise he couldn’t see. And the Bible says, “he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” That is the first time the word “believed” appears in the King James Bible.
Paul builds his whole case on that verse. “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Abraham wasn’t made right with God by his effort. He trusted, and God counted it.
It is the same for us. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Nobody gets to brag in heaven. Everyone there got in the same way.
If you are tired of trying to earn your place with God, look up. The stars Abraham counted are still there, and so is the God who counts faith as righteousness.
Read it yourself
Read Genesis 15:1–6. What did God ask Abraham to count before he believed?
Is there any part of you still trying to earn what God offers as a gift?
Father, I believe you. Thank you that you count my faith in Christ for righteousness, not my works. Amen.