Saturday, September 22, 2012

Righteous vs. Perfect

In reading about Abraham, I've come to the conclusion that it is possible to be righteous...but that doesn't mean we are perfect.  Abraham and Sarah follow God's will (throughout Genesis) to the best of their human ability.  But they didn't get everything perfect.  God continually "showed up" as an angel (or smoke or voice or travelling visitor) to tell Abraham that he was on the right track....and to keep it up!  He promised the same promise to this family on numerous occasions.  (see Gen. 12:1-3; Gen. 15:1; Gen. 16:11-12; Gen. 18:26-33) 

The promise God first gave Abraham later became a covenant.
So, what is a covenant?

cov·e·nant

1. an agreement, usually formal, between two or more persons to do or not do something specified.
2. Law . an incidental clause in such an agreement.
3. Ecclesiastical . a solemn agreement between the members of a church to act together in harmony with the precepts of the gospel.
4. ( initial capital letter ) History/Historical .
5. Bible .
a. the conditional promises made to humanity by God, as revealed in Scripture.
b. the agreement between God and the ancient Israelites, in which God promised to protect them if they kept His law and were faithful to Him.
 
 
I've also been told, by a minister, that marriage is not a promise between two people.  It's a covenant.  This only makes sense, because we sign a legal document after the ceremony, right?
 
Just what does that legal document say?  Have you ever read your marriage license?
I'm pretty sure it's not based on Scripture...but I would have to double check.  It's legal jargon made by a governmental official in your state.  It's MADE by our GOVERNMENT.
 
Which raises another question - is our government righteous?
Well, it's certainly not perfect!!  We can all agree on that.
 
I feel like I'm talking in circles...but the whole point of this journal entry is to help myself wrap my head around God's definition of RIGHTEOUS.  Genesis 15:6 says, "Abram believed the Lord, and He credited it to him as righteous."
 
What do you think?
 
 
 

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