Genesis 15

Bible Gateway Genesis 15 NIV link: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?book_id=1&chapter=15&version=31

6And he believed the LORD, and he counted it to him as righteousness.

Here we see the first indication of righteousness through faith alone. There was a rule of thumb in the Old Testament that righteousness was achieved only through obedience to God (acts). Here we see Abraham counted as righteous through faith. Honestly there are still today many that like a good conversation on weather we are saved by works, or faith, or both. It can draw out to a long discussion. For me I believe, that it is by Faith that we are saved, but that is with the understanding that faith requires action. What I mean by that is we have to live in faith, just as Abraham has shown over the last several chapters. Yes, he had unbelievable faith, but that faith was living faith. He did not simply believe what God told him then took no action. HE took the Lord at his word, and then set out living his life in expectation of the promise God made. As a result anyone that knew Abraham knew his Faith was strong, not because he talked often of it, but it was his faith in action that showed the world how powerful faith can be.

Peace,

Brian