We’ve had a number of Christian friends who regularly give edifying, memorable responses when greeted with the question: “How are you doing.” One friend says, “I’m doing great, and I’m on the right side of the grass.” Another responds, “I’m doing better now that you and the rest of the saints are here.” Still another says, “I’m doing better than I deserve. Thank God for His grace.” But my favorite comes from a radiant Christian man who says, “I’m blessed! Just think about all these wonderful things in life and God’s eternal life too.”

In Romans Chapter 4, the Apostle Paul is talking about those who have “the righteousness of the faith” (vs. 11), and he describes them as being truly blessed by God. When Scripture describes anyone as having righteousness, it means they are divinely justified or declared without sin. In every dispensation, past or present, righteousness has always been on the basis of faith. Even when God required Abraham to leave his pagan family and homeland, it was his faith in God’s promises that gave him the inheritance of eternal life. It was not his works, or acts of obedience, that saved him. Romans 4:3 declares, “Abraham believed God, and it (his faith) was counted unto him for righteousness.” Explaining it further, Paul says of Abraham that he “believeth (or believed) on Him that justifieth the ungodly, (and) his faith is counted for righteousness” (vs. 5). Abraham was not an exception in being justified by faith apart from works. Paul uses David in the same context saying, “Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works” (vs. 6). Notice here that the Scripture describes those who accept imputed righteousness, or eternal life, by faith alone, as being blessed. How were they, and how are we today, blessed? Verse seven says, “Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and who sins are covered.” What a wonderful gift to be completely forgiven of all our sins and accepted by God. Our blessed condition is further described when Paul refers to how secure our position is in Christ: “Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin” (vs. 8). Praise His Name, our imputed righteousness is so permanent that we are assured eternal life. What a blessing to be eternally secure in salvation.

Have you recently thought about how truly blessed you are? Why not pause right now to give thanks and praise to your Savior for being so blessed.