Second Sunday in Lent: Epistle, Romans 4:1-8, 13-17               

Romans 4:1-8, 13-17

Mind blowing. Absolutely mind blowing that God has accomplished all I need through His dear Son. And if that is not enough, He shares that good work with people that only deserve the thunder of His angry punishment. And He would be justified. (see Psalm 51:4)

But justified is a word we relish because we know the justification that comes to us by faith, and faith alone. “For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise void” (Romans 4:13-14). Justification is being declared forgiven and righteous in one sweep of joy from the Father. Lent is a season that brings reflection on the work (too sterile a word) of the Savior on our behalf. His work is complete self-donation to the point of death under judgment. It’s hard to type that sentence because it is so weak. No one can express what God has done for sinners such as we are.

We stand justified in Christ and by Christ through God’s promise. You and I are justified today by works. Just not our own. Ours is the blessing of God, the Holy Trinity, by the righteousness of faith. God, the righteous Judge says so.