How About 'Calling Those Things That Be... Just Like They Be ???

"(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were."
--Romans 4:17 KJV

It usually never fails, if I voice my faith to certain friends or acquaintances, concerning healing or righteousness, etc... My friend will respond with something like, "Yeah, that's right, Brother; we have to be like Abraham and 'Call those things that be not', as though they are".

I don't presume to correct them there on the spot. That would be rude and non-productive. And actually, I used to believe the same thing. I heard it preached by some of my favorite preachers and never bothered to take a serious look at the Scripture from which they were basing their preaching. It doesn't take long, however, when one looks carefully at Romans, Chapter 4, to realize---perhaps we've had it wrong.

In the first place, the Bible does NOT say, "Abraham was strong in faith, calling those things which be not, as though they are".

It says he believed GOD, "who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were" (Romans 4:17 NIV). Or, as the 'New King James Version' puts it, [God] "calls those things which do not exist as though they did". Abraham's faith was in God---not in a formula. God is the One who speaks that which does not exist, into the reality of existence. It is up to us to rest fully in what He has said. Even when we cannot see that reality with our natural eyes, it doesn't make it any less real.

When I testify to the fact that I am 'righteous', for example, I am NOT calling that which is NOT as though it is... I am calling that which IS, just like it is. God is the only one who could speak such a blessing into reality, (while I was yet a sinner). And it is incumbent upon me to believe Him (Who calls those things which are not, as though they are). Jesus, Who knew no sin, was made to be sin, that I could be made the 'righteousness of God, in Christ' (2 Cor. 5:21). That 'righteousness' is a blessed reality.

My healing is a reality as well... 'By His stripes I am (have been) healed' (1 Peter 2:24). It's a done deal! And when I say to my friends, "I am healed of cancer" (or any other malady), I am NOT 'calling those things which be not' as though they are... I am calling those things that ARE---just like they are! This is not to deny the reality of the existence of a particular sickness in my body, at that particular time. It is, however, to deny its right to be there and remain in my body; and to voice my faith, in agreement with the Word of God, that Jesus, 'Himself, took my infirmities and bare my sicknesses' on Calvary's cross (Matthew 8:17).

It's to express my faith in that current reality.

We need to remember... We are on the other side of the cross from where Abraham stood. His faith was indeed, awesome. It was because of his faith, God counted him righteous. But his faith was also looking ahead to something that had not yet become a reality---something that had not actually happened yet. Our faith, on the other hand, is looking back to that which is done---that which is a most definite reality. Your salvation, which includes your righteousness before God, your healing, your freedom and deliverance in Christ, your authority, and EVERY spiritual blessing in heavenly places is a DONE DEAL!...

That's the reason you are so happy and joyful all the time, right? (Now, I just might be 'calling those things which be not, as though they are'). Oh well... I didn't say there's no place for it at all :)

Hey... It's up to you... Make that joyfulness a reality!