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Enjoy Life, Enjoy God


Dale Patterson

ON ACCOUNT

September 2, 2009

Paul's Letter to the Romans actually is sort of a treatise on theological bookkeeping.

Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why "it was credited to him as righteousness."
- Romans 4:20-22 TNIV

If our life could be summarized by an accounting ledger, there's only one word that God is looking for--per Paul. That word is "righteousness," or "perfection." "But Patterson, nobody's perfect," you protest. And you are right. So Paul teaches us here by way of Abraham's example, how he looked to God in faith for righteousness to be put on his account not by Abraham's effort, but looking in faith to God. What Abraham could not put on his account, righteousness, was put there trusting God.

Here is the centrality of Jesus Christ. In faith, we are granted a credit, and put on our account is righteousness. It's a gift to us by God's grace through trusting Jesus Christ. The deposit of our hope is on our account.
Joyfully,

Dale Patterson