God’s family has ALWAYS been defined by faith – not works, rituals, or circumstances. 

Key Verses: Romans 4:18, 21 says, “Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed… being fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised.” 

Paul points to Abraham to show that justification by faith is not a new idea but God’s plan from the very beginning. Before the law was given and before circumcision existed, Abraham was declared righteous simply because he believed God’s promise. 

-Moses was called while he was hiding in fear and failure in Exodus 3.

-Rahab was a gentile prostitute and saved by her faith before any righteous deeds could be credited to her in Joshua 2.

-Ruth was drawn in as a foreigner and widow in Ruth 1-4.

-The thief on the cross was justified by faith alone. No opportunity to perform good works. Luke 23:39-43

-Paul was actively opposing the gospel and all who spoke it in Acts 9.

God’s family is not defined by rituals, traditions, or religious performance, but by faith in His promise. That promise rests on grace. If it depended on human obedience, it would fail. But because it depends on God, it is guaranteed. Faith simply receives what grace freely gives.

May we all claim what He freely gives.

Prayer: Father, thank You that my righteousness comes by faith and rests on Your grace, not my effort. Help me trust Your promises fully—especially when circumstances seem impossible. Strengthen my faith to rest in what You have already guaranteed through Christ. Amen.