Romans 4:16-25
Q.1. What guarantees salvation to Abraham’s true descendants? How did Paul explain this blessing to Abraham’s as yet unborn descendants? – (Rom.4:16-18)
Though the gospel of Jesus Christ is exclusive in that Jesus is the only way, it is also expansive, because it includes all who place their faith in this Life-Giving Saviour, regardless of nationality. Salvation is guaranteed to all to whom God extends His grace, and who express faith in Him, as Abraham did. – For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (Rom.4:16). This promise was made to Abraham before the Law was given through Moses. Paul further noted the amplification of God’s grace, revealed when He extended to the nations, the promise He had made to one man. – A father of many nations have I made you BECAUSE … He gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist (Rom.4:17). Paul stated clearly that salvation is not by our works but is a gift from God, Who made the promise long before we were born.
Q.2. When did Abraham exercise his faith? What part did the Law play? How was Abraham credited with righteousness? – (Rom.4:19-22)
The essence of faith is demonstrated in that Abraham did nothing to earn God’s favour and had no heir of promise when he first believed. In fact, his faith was unshakable – yet, with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God (Rom.4:20 c.f. Rom.4:19). Law keeping glorifies man. Faith in God glorifies God’s excellent greatness. It is also the essential ingredient in maintaining peace and confidence through the difficulties of life, even to old age. The Law contributed nothing to the promise. It was Abraham’s complete confidence that God could and would keep His promises that brought assurance. It was this faith that was – credited to him as righteousness (Rom.4:22).
Q.3. How may this righteousness flow to Abraham’s descendants? What difference has the resurrection of Jesus made? Who then brings sinners hope? – (Gen.4:23-25)
Abraham is renowned as the ‘father of faith’ by both Jews and Gentiles, because he was the first of many to place his trust entirely on God’s promise of salvation – 23 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 but for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead (Rom.4:23-24). Abraham was granted a right standing with God and was promised that he would be the father of many chosen descendants. The writer of Hebrews defined the significance of the promise by applying the promise to man’s greatest enemy, death (Heb.2:14-15). In other words, if Jesus was not raised, we would have no hope beyond the grave, and the promises of God would be meaningless (1 Cor.15:12-19). We learn through the Gospel that Abraham’s right standing was not just for life, but for eternity, because – He who was delivered over because of our transgressions and was raised because of our justification (Rom.4:25). That hope equally applies to us.