ROMANS 4:22

“Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

You have probably heard some preacher say, “When you see the word “therefore” in the Bible, always look to see what it is there for.” Well, in today’s verse we have a “therefore.” It is the little Greek conjunction dio which can be translated as “for this reason,” “therefore” or “wherefore.” A conjunction connects at least two thoughts. In our case today, it connects the thoughts of the preceding verses with this thought in verse 22. Because of all Paul just said, this is true.

Once again, Paul quotes from Genesis 15:6, “Then he believed in the LORD; and He credited it to him as righteousness.” We saw this quoted earlier back in 4:3 and 4:9. This is the third time Paul quotes Genesis 15:6. Do you think it is important? Paul is nailing home the point that Abraham didn’t do anything to earn that righteousness. It was given to him before circumcision. God simply chose him and cut covenant with him. God made him righteous and Abraham himself.

APPLICATION

The same holds true for us. If you want to see just how much “therefore” means to us, look at 2 Corinthians 4:16. Paul uses dio again here. “Therefore we do not lose heart, but though our outer person is decaying, yet our inner person is being renewed day by day.” Let me tell you, that verse hit home with me. My old body is wearing down. I have a little pain in my lower back right now, which is new for me. But this verse says that is to be expected. However, my inner man is renewed daily. How sweet!

In our spiritual walk with Christ “therefore” makes a big difference. For instance, Christ died for my sins, and I have acknowledged that and have decided to follow Him. THEREFORE, I am His child and will live with Him in eternity. That’s a big “therefore,” isn’t it? Just like Abraham, I did nothing but step out in faith. Because of that I am reckoned as righteous in God’s eyes.

The next time you are reading through the Word and run across a little conjunction like dio (therefore, for this reason, wherefore), pause and really look what it is pointing you back to. Context is key in any study of Scripture. God’s Word is truth from the first word to the last. Therefore – you can trust it. You can place your faith in that.

Father God, I am grateful Your Word is so rich and so powerful. It gives me the “therefore” I need at the right time.

If the Lord should lead you to support our ministry, check out our ministry page at Trans World Radio (www.twr.org/carl-willis).