Scripture to Read: Romans 4:6–8
The beauty of God’s Word is that every portion of it ties together. When we study and memorize God’s Word, we should always examine the cross-references as God reveals to us His Truth being repeated. God wants us to know the fullness of Him through His Word. Also, through God’s Truth, we see the fullness of ourselves through all God offers us through Christ. In Romans 4:6–8, we see how God used Paul to quote Psalms 32:1–2 because God’s Truth is eternal. God had Paul begin Romans 4:1–3 using Abraham as an example of one who placed his faith in God. In Romans 4:6–8, God had Paul use what David had written about God’s righteousness in Psalms 32. God was ensuring that everyone understands that faith in Him is not something new, but that being made right with Him has always been through people trusting in Him. We read in Romans 4:6–8, “just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered.’ 8 ‘Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.’” God forgives all sins when we place all of our faith in Him through Christ. Note: Since God had Paul quote Psalms 32:1–2, we read “whose sins have been covered,” because this was before Christ’s death and resurrection, but through Christ’s perfect blood, our sins are now cleansed, not covered; this is good news.
Challenge & Application
Why is it important to use cross-references when studying and memorizing God’s Word?
How are you ensuring you know the fullness of God’s Word so you don’t miss the fullness of who you are in Christ?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!