ADDRESSES ON ROMANS cause for self-glory, but not before God. In other words, Abraham in heaven sees Christ on the throne, and sings, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing" (Rev. 5: 12). He makes his boasting in having a great Saviour. He gives honor to his great, loving God. Abraham would be in a class by himself if he could boast in heaven. The word "before" here means "toward." If Abraham were justified by works. he could say, "You have been sing- ing about what God and Christ have done. but now boast toward me." My dear friends, that is exactly what Abraham would be able to say if he were justified by works. And so could we, but then neither we nor Abraham could boast toward God. No; throughout all eternity he will sing with you and me, "Worthy is the Lamb that was slain!" With our faces turned to the Lord. we shall make our boast in Him. And Abraham, the father of Israel, makes his boast toward God. His story is one of redeeming grace. How was Abraham justified? "What saith the scrip-' ture?" (Rom. 1:3 ). The Scriptures will tell us, for they are the final Court of Appeals. "Abraham believed God. and it was counted unto him for righteousness." From Ge~~sis 15:6 these words are quoted. Turn to that chapter. and read t e wonderful story of how Abraham was saved by faith, on the same ground upon which you and I are made righteous. And this event took place long before Abraham was circumcised. Let us note four quotations from Genesis 15: 1. "FEAR NoT, ABRAM." With these words God spoke to Abraham, adding also, "I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward" (Gen. 15:1 ). What put fear in Abraham's heart? The same thing that put fear in Adam and Eve when they hid from God. the same thing that puts fear in our hearts .-sin. But the redeemed sinner has nothing to fear in the presence of a holy God. 2. "WHAT WILT THou GIVE ME?" (Gen. 15:2). By Page 60]
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