Righteousness by Faith in the Old Testament
Righteousness has always been by faith apart from works, even in the Old Testament. The sacrifices and other works that were done by the people in the Old Testament were a testimony of the righteousness they already had by faith before they offered anything. Justification, imputed righteousness, has always come through faith apart from works, not just in the age of the body of Christ, but it was true with the patriarchs and the fathers as well. Therefore, the works that were done were not what justified them, but rather they were just a sign showing that they were righteous people.
Faith changes the course of one’s life and the direction they go in. In the Old Testament, people lived by a vision in faith, and their works were just a sign that testified to the righteousness they had by faith before they did any work.
I. Righteousness by faith apart from works in the Old Testament
- Sacrifices and works were a testimony of righteousness already obtained by faith (Hebrews 11:4)
- Justification always came through faith apart from works (Romans 4:3)
- Works were a sign of righteousness, not the means of obtaining it (James 2:23)
II. Faith changes the course of one’s life
- People in the Old Testament lived by a vision in faith (Hebrews 11:1)
- Works were a sign of righteousness obtained by faith (Hebrews 11:2)
I. Righteousness by faith apart from works in the Old Testament
- A. Sacrifices and works were a testimony of righteousness already obtained by faith (Hebrews 11:4)
- B. Justification always came through faith apart from works (Romans 4:3)
- C. Works were a sign of righteousness, not the means of obtaining it (James 2:23)
II. Faith changes the course of one’s life
- A. People in the Old Testament lived by a vision in faith (Hebrews 11:1)
- B. Works were a sign of righteousness obtained by faith (Hebrews 11:2)
Supporting verses:
- “By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting his gifts. And through his faith, though he died, he still speaks.” (Hebrews 11:4)
- “For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.'” (Romans 4:3) i>
- “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” (Hebrews 11:1)
- “For by it the people of old received their commendation.” (Hebrews 11:2)