Don’t pay me what I am Due!

Scripture Read: Romans 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”4 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due.5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered.8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”

Application: Credit - λογίζομαι logízomai; reason, word, account. To reckon, impute, number. Actually, the verb logízomai means to put together with one’s mind, to count, to occupy oneself with reckonings or calculations. To count something to somebody means to reckon something to a person, to put to his account, either in his favor or for what he must be answerable

Due - ὀφείλημα opheílēma; to owe. Debt, that which is owed, which is strictly due, Paul then uses ὀφείλημα in the broader sense of obligation at R. 4:4 in the context of the doctrine of justification. Where there are real works a reward enters in by obligation, as something owed in return, and not simply by grace.

These two words really make this whole issue come alive – because what is “due” can swing both ways. Think about it - Yes if we could work enough to please God – righteousness would be owed us. If we understand the gospel – we know that cannot happen. However – looking at this from the other direction it emphasizes the great gift that He afforded us that now has been credited to us. We are DUE punishment – just like You say Lord. We have worked hard to earn it – not only do we all fall short – most choose to go their own way and none seek You. Your Son took what was do all of us and then credited us with righteousness. Thank You Father for not giving us what You owe us – We want Your grace!!