The declaration's response

Friends,

Is it possible for a man to be blameless? In our limited judgment, we can only say no. Yet how does Almighty God, the maker and keeper of covenants, come to say this ...

When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the LORD appeared to Abram and said to him, “I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly.”
Genesis 17:1-2 [NKJV]

In our awkward logic, we read the translated passage and assume that Jehovah is giving Abram two interrelated commands: to walk before God and, while he is doing so, to behave in a way that brings no blame or judgment upon himself.

But that is not exactly what is going on here.
The LORD is giving Abram one command: to walk before Him. As He does so, the LORD will render a judicial judgment: that Abram is blameless. God is making a declaration. A decision. God has extended His grace upon Abram. It is not in response to Abram's walk. Abram's walk in is response to God's grace.

This is the same transaction that occurs between the LORD and all of His people ... including you and me. So let us walk before Him, for He has declared us blameless. Not because of what we did or did not do, but because He has declared it be so.

Be encouraged, Jose