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Faith like Abraham. That's what we are to have. Faith like Abraham. This is the point of Romans 4:17b-25. If Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness and we can have that same justification, what kind of faith do we need? Paul's answer is to just duplicate the faith of Abraham.

Standing On the Promises of God

Abraham's circumstances - being an old man of 100 and having a barren wife - did bode well for him having children. And yet, this was God's promise. Abraham and Sarah would have a child. And not just any child. But a child who would continue to have descendants to the point that Abraham would be the "father of many nations." Hardly seemed likely. In fact, he and Sarah both laughed when they heard it.

And yet, in spite of the seeming reality of his situation, Abraham believed God and trusted in His promises. And it was more than "simple" belief. Abraham not only believed and trusted in God's promise, but also believed in His power to actually accomplish it. This is the God who "gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist." That's pretty powerful!

Our Faith Justifies

This kind of faith - in this God and His promises - is what was credited to Abraham as righteousness. Paul uses this to illustrate the kind of faith we are called to have if we want to be justified. Specifically, that this same God raised Jesus from the dead. Not only that but He will raise us from the dead as well. Both spiritually and physically.

Sure Abraham was aware of his situation. Of course he realized the odds. He even struggled at times but the fact that he "did not waver in unbelief" is the key. Even though years went by after the promise without any hint of it happening, the promises were enough. Faith like Abraham is a faith that says, God's promises are enough.

The awesome thing is that we have more than just promises. We have the ability to look back through history and see the legitimate fulfillment of God's promises...in spades!

Abraham was fully persuaded that God had both the power to do what He promised and also the will to do it. Do you have that kind of faith? If you do, it's a faith that will justify you, just as it did Abraham.

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Study Romans From The Beginning By Clicking Here

Not by law. The salvation of sinners is not by works (4:1-8), not by circumcision (4:9-12), nor is it by law (4:13-17). It is by faith and therefore consistent with grace. In this section of Romans Paul continues his contrast between the law-system and the grace-system as ways of salvation.

Not By Law

Abraham is called the "Father of Israel" because it is through him that the nation is established. All Jews are physical descendants of Abraham. As we saw last time, circumcision is the physical sign of the covenant God made with His people.

Abraham is also called the "Father of the faith". Why? Because the promise given to him (and his descendants) is delivered through faith. The blessing (i.e. being credited with righteousness) comes "not through the Law" but through faith. This makes the promise accessible to anyone (and everyone) who has the faith of Abraham. Not necessarily the "degree" of the faith of Abraham but the same faith as Abraham.

Not By Law But Through Faith

That the promise is delivered by faith makes it consistent and in accordance with grace. When a promise is given, the only way to accept it is to believe it. Paul makes the point that the grace-faith relationship is inevitable. Why? Because the reality of sin (i.e. lawlessness) mandates that the law can only enforce the penalty of God's wrath (vv. 14-15). The law - regardless of its form - cannot deliver lawbreakers from the penalty due.

But the fact that Abraham received the promise by faith assures us all that we can receive it the same way. In fact, it is guaranteed to all who have the same faith as Abraham. He is "the father of us all" (i.e. Christians; v. 16). AS Paul has pointed out before, this is not exclusive to Jews. Gentiles also have the very same access to the promise through the very same promise.

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Study Romans From the Beginning By Clicking Here

The sign of the covenant relationship between God and the Hebrews has zero impact on salvation. In Romans 4:1-8, Paul states that salvation is by faith apart from works. Verses 9-12 he teaches that it is apart from circumcision (i.e. the sign of the covenant) as well. And as we'll see later, in verses 13-17, Paul says salvation is by faith apart from law.

Membership In Abraham's Family is By Faith

Paul has established - through the OT Scriptures - that Abraham is the quintessential example of justification by faith. First he cites Genesis 15:6. Then he cites David from Psalm 32:1-2 to describe what this means. Last time we discussed how (in Romans 4:1-8) justification is by faith apart from any consideration of works.

Now in verses 9-12, still using Abraham as the example, Paul says justification by faith is apart from any consideration of circumcision. Yes, Abraham is the father of the nation of Israel, physically, by means of being circumcised first. But he is also the father of "spiritual Israel" by means of his faith. Okay, but why the focus on circumcision?

The Physical Sign Does Not Equate to Salvation

The physical sign of circumcision meant membership in the covenant family of God, yes. But Jews believed also that it equated to salvation. To them, salvation was inherent in the physical sign of circumcision. But this was and is not the case.

Paul counters this argument by again referencing Abraham. The Scriptures clearly show Abraham's faith credited as righteousness before he received the sign of circumcision, not after. In fact, 14+ years before. Meaning, Abraham was in fact a Gentile when his faith was credited as righteousness. The Jews have not only misunderstood the covenant sign but have also failed to clearly understand when and how Abraham was saved. This reality makes it clear that faith in God - whether held by Jew or Gentile - is effective unto salvation for both.

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Study Romans From the Beginning By Clicking Here

"God, who justifies the wicked..." What an amazing phrase...justifying the wicked. How does that even happen? How can it even happen? God is the One who declares that all judges should always condemn and never acquit (justify) the wicked. In fact, God Himself declares, "I will not justify the wicked" (Exodus 23:7, KJV).

Romans 1:8 - which we have already studied - describes God as directing His wrath toward all human wickedness. But here it is. Right here in black and white. Romans 4:5 says clearly that God does justify the wicked. How can this be?

Justifying the Wicked is An Amazing Statement

F. F. Bruce, a Christian commentator on Romans, says this statement "is so paradoxical as to be startling - not say shocking" (Romans, p. 106-107). This seems so counter to the God many would have come to know, especially the Jews. But that is exactly the point - that is the point of grace - it is different. In fact, it is the exact opposite of law. Under law, God is restricted from justifying the wicked. Not so under grace.

David Says the Same Thing

Paul quotes from Psalm 32 - a psalm of David - showing that this teaching is not at all "new" or inconsistent with the Old Testament. He combines David's words with the example of Abraham. Doing so he shows the continuity of salvation by grace through faith.

There are several phrases used in these verses - used in fact throughout this section - Romans 3:21-4:8. The parallelism is remarkable. Why is it here? Because it provides a means for determining exactly the point Paul is trying to convey. We should never try to understand "justification by faith apart from works" without considering this quote from David.

Several of the statements found here effectively have the same meanings. Justification is the same as forgiveness of sins. It is not merely a part or a component of justification. It is the same as justification. This has huge implications when it comes to living our daily lives.

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Study Romans from the Beginning by Clicking Here

Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). It was not his works of law that resulted in his salvation. As is the case today, salvation always is, always has been, and always will be, by grace through faith. Therefore,Paul goes back to the beginning of "our" faith to the call of Abraham, and presents him as the illustration of salvation by grace. As a result, the point is made that anyone who has ever been saved has been saved by grace.

Abraham As A Paradigm of Grace

The whole of Romans 4 is a presentation of Abraham as the primary example of salvation by grace through faith. Appealing to Abraham has several goals.

First, Abraham is the patriarch of the Old Testament (OT) and the Jews. He is considered both the father of the Jewish nation and the spiritual father of the faith. This definitely gets and holds the attention of those of Jewish decent. Abraham's faith is crucial.

Second, it provides OT confirmation and continuity with Paul's teaching. Not that Paul is seeking mere "scriptural proof" but he is showing the consistency of the teaching of salvation by faith. The goal is to help Jews accept the gospel of grace. Again, Abraham's faith is the focus.

A Comparison of Systems

Throughout chapter four, Abraham's faith plays the prominent role. Even "father Abraham" was saved by his faith and not by his works of law. In his case, he did not even yet have the Law of Moses. In fact, as we will see later, Abraham became the father of our faith before he was circumcised. Meaning, he was saved as a gentile, not as a Jew.

Paul compares and contrasts the law system for salvation and the grace system of salvation. Using Abraham as his example, Paul clearly shows these differences in relating to God. First, he contrasts faith with works (4:1-8), then faith with circumcision (4:9-12), and then faith with law (4:13-22). All using Abraham's faith as the perfect example.

Of course Abraham served God and was (mostly) obedient to His law. But he was not perfectly obedient. Therein lies the problem. As we have learned, obedience to God's law is required. Even for those under grace. However, salvation has always been by faith and not by keeping the law.

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This Series on Romans Begins With Episode #69

So, does "being under grace" mean that we no longer have to abide by the law? Are Christians - as a result of their faith - exempt from keeping the law of God? Is it necessary for Christians to still be obedient to the commandments we find the Bible?

The answer is yes, we do still have to keep the law. In fact, our faith doesn't nullify the law at all...it upholds it. Our faith is what allows the law of God to do its proper and intended work.

The Work of the Law

A right understanding of justification through faith as a gift of God's grace confirms the law. Christians - through their faith - set the law free from the burden of justifying sinners. This is a role and responsibility the law was never intended to have or to bear. It is impossible for the law to accomplish redemption.

The law does not contain provisions for correcting a previous brokenness. It can never "make us perfect" once it has been disobeyed. As a result, under the law, we all stand condemned before our Creator. But there is good news!

The Gospel and the Law

The gift of grace and justification by faith allows the law to perform is proper functions. What are those functions?

First and primarily, it show us our sin (Rom. 3:20). By doing so, is reveals to us our need for justification by some other means. Specifically, through faith.

Second, it functions as the norm for holy living. Because of salvation by grace through faith, we can teach (and live out) the real value of the law. That is, to point out right from wrong.

You Still Have To Follow the Law

Here is a point that is rarely made in the American pulpit: as a revelation of God's will to us as Creator, His law is absolutely binding upon us. Further, we have an absolut obligation to obey it. Why?

Because grace does not remove us from under the category of creatures. God stil is - always has been - and will remain our Creator. Grace does not change this fact. We are not under law as a way of salvation. However, we are under law as a way of living.

Our responsibility to obey the law of God is not involved in the first part of the double cure (i.e. justification); but it isabsolutely necessary for the second part of the double cure (i.e. sanctification).

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Study Romans from the beginning: Click here.

Are there conditions for receiving God's grace and salvation? Yes! And understanding that (a) there are conditions and (b) what those conditions are will make all the difference. How do you answer the question: What must I do to be saved? Your response could make an eternal difference.

According to the Redeemer

In our last episode we discussed the different relationships we have with God. First, we deal with Him as our Creator. As such, He gives commands that we are obligated to obey by virtue of being His creatures. Second, we deal with Him as our Ruler and King. We either honor Him or dishonor Him as such. Third, some of us will deal with God as our Redeemer. In this capacity God sets forth instructions. Specifically, instructions on how to receive His gift of grace.

Grace Conditions or Works of Law?

Are the conditions God as Redeemer sets forth the same as those He sets as Creator? Do we have the same obligation to follow them? Are these "conditions of salvation" just another way of catorgizing "works of law"? These and other questions are answered in this episode.

Biblically, "works" or "works of law" are any deeds we do in response to our respective law code. Gospel imperatives, on the other hand, are those conditions and commands given us by our Redeemer as to how we can be saved from our sin. One is related to God's "manual" for righteous living. The other is instructions on how to receive salvation. Seems to me we had better know and understand the difference.

Condition Criteria

"The conditions for receiving grace must have as their primary characteristic the acknowledgement that the only ground of salvation is the redeeming work of Christ" (Dr. Jack Cottrell). This means there must be a focus within the condtions themselves upon the cross of Jesus. Without such a focus, the conditions would become simple works or human righteousness.

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Study Romans from the Beginning

There is a difference in the ways we deal with God. God has "performed" three primary works: Creation, Providence, and Redemption. In these works God has three primary roles: Creator, Ruler, and Redeemer. Every person ever conceived deals with God in at least two of the three ways. Each one of us deals with God as Creator. Each one of us deals with God as Ruler. But only some of us deal with God as Redeemer.

Instructions from the Creator

As Creator, God has every right to give and expect obedience to His commandments. Those commandments He gives in His role as Creator are what Paul calls works of law or simply works. He uses this phrase throughout his letters, especially in Romans and Galatians.

The question is: What constitute works or works of law? Answer: Anything done by creatures (i.e. you and me) in response to the law commandments. This necessarily includes both positive (obedience) and negative (disobedience) responses. The law codes given by God - either the creation law) Romans 1:21), moral law of the heart (Romans 2:14-15), or Law of Moses (Romans 2) - all provide law conditions. In fact, they require a single condition: absolute and total obedience.

Instructions from the Redeemer

On the other hand, in His role as Redeemer, God has also given instructions under grace. These "grace conditions" are instructions given by the Redeemer to sinners on how to receive salvation. This is a critical distinction, and one many fail to recognize.

God has given us specific conditions by which we can receive His gift of grace and salvation. Law conditions represent "necessity of precept" while grace conditions represent "necessity of means". Actually, law conditions - if kept perfectly - represent both necessity of precept and necessity of means. What are we talking about? You'll have to tune in to this episode of DTLC Radio to learn more.

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Study Romans From the Beginning

Romans 3:28 - What does Paul mean by "works of law"? How does the Bible define "works"? Are there conditions to salvation? Are we saved by "faith alone" and nothing else? What about repentance or confession or baptism? Is everything a person does counted as a "work" or "work of law"?

These and other questions answered in this weeks episode of our continuing study of Romans.

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This Study of Romans Begins With Episode #69

Episode #68 helps you understand the Bible's definition of "faith."

No bragging! There is no bragging or boasting about your faith. More specifically, there can be no bragging about your being justified by faith. Why? Because your justification is not based on anything you did. Nor is it based on anything you can do. The truth is, whatever you attempt to do to "gain" or "earn" your salvation will fall woefully short (Isaiah 64:6). (see Philippians 3:2-11)

Boasting Is Excluded

As we come to the last section of Romans 3, Paul declares that all bragging and boasting is eliminated and excluded (3:27). On what basis? On the basis that justification is by grace and not the result of anything you can contribute to it..

Jesus is the one who has paid the payment of our penalty due to God for having sinned...for having broken the law of God. Justification by faith - being declared righteous by God - is "apart from law." This aspect of justification being "apart from law" or "apart from works" or "apart from works of law" is crucial. It is critical to our understanding of the conditions for salvation.

The Law of Faith

Justification through the law system would permit bragging. If you kept the law perfectly, you would have grounds for bragging about your justification because it would have been all based on your keeping the law. But since all have sinned, justification by the law system is not possible and therefore bragging about it is not possible.

The same is true under the grace system. Grace excludes boasting because all the work(s) that produce salvation within this system was accomplished by Christ. The only thing we sinners can do is react and respond to His divine works and passively receive them.

"Where, then, is there bragging among you? It has been eliminated. By which system of salvation? The law system, in which you are justified by works of law? Nope. On the contrary, through the grace system, in which you are justified by your faith in Christ Jesus."

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Start Your Study of Romans With Episode #69