Romans 4:1-15
Q.1. How do Abraham and David prove that the Gospel agrees with the Old Testament? What makes both these examples so powerful to underscore the grace of God? – (Rom.4:1-8)
It is understandable that the Jews would question the validity of the Gospel since they missed it and because their religion of works was so different from the grace of the Gospel. Paul went on to prove that the Gospel is based on the Old Testament Scripture. He took his example from two heroes of the faith – Abraham and David. In the case of Israel’s first patriarch Abraham, Paul asked – For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” (Rom.4:3 c.f. Gen.15:3). He also cited the understanding and declaration of Israel’s greatest king, David – 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. 8 “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.” (Rom.4:6-8 c.f. Ps.32:1-2). Both relied totally on God’s grace for their standing with Him.
Q.2. Was Abraham circumcised before he was justified by faith? What was the point of circumcision? How did Abraham also bring hope to the nations? – (Rom.4:9-12)
The case of their forefather Abraham provided clearer certainty that God’s righteousness is gained only through grace. Paul drove home this truth by asking – How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised (Rom.4:10). Paul concluded therefore that the Gospel applies equally to circumcised and uncircumcised believers (Rom.4:9-12). Paul explained the reason God asked Abraham and his household to be circumcised – and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them (Rom.4:11). Circumcision was – a seal of the righteousness of the faith (Rom.4:11). Circumcision was only the sign of Abraham’s faith. God’s covenant blessing extends to all who possess this right standing with God through faith.
Q.3. Why did Paul contend that Abraham proved that righteousness comes by faith and not the Law? What did he say about the possibility of justification through the Law? – (Rom.4:13-15)
Paul argued that faith in God would be devalued and the promises worthless, if righteousness was achieved by works (Rom.4:14). He reminded his readers about the basis of the promises made to Abraham – For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith (Rom.4:13). In fact – the Law brings about wrath … and furthermore – where there is no law, there also is no violation (Rom.4:15). The Law’s function was to show sinners that they need a Saviour, in order to be justified before a perfect and holy God. Faith is consistent with God’s grace, since it guarantees God’s promises to all, regardless of rule-keeping or not.