( O) 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, ( P) 15 because the law brings wrath. a. God isn’t praising laziness here. Abraham’s faith did not mean that he did nothing and just waited for God to create a child in Sarah’s womb. i. If law is the basis of our salvation, then our salvation depends on our performance in keeping the law – and no one can keep the law good enough to be saved by it. By this we understand that there are not two ways of salvation – saved by works through law-keeping in the Old Testament and saved by grace through faith in the New Testament. What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found, For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace, But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, who believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works, blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, To whom God imputes righteousness apart from works... blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin. Imputed righteousness, which teaches that when I am justified I am counted or reckoned to be acceptable to God, is Biblical.The righteousness of Christ is credited to the one who believes in Christ, so that the believer is, as the Reformers pointed out, at the one time justified and a sinner. e. Faith is accounted for righteousness: Just as Abraham, so our faith is accounted for righteousness. We can only receive salvation by the principle of grace through faith. It was used in early secular documents; ‘put down to one’s account, let my revenues be placed on deposit at the storehouse; I now give orders generally with regard to all payments actually made or credited to the government.’ Thus, God put to Abraham’s account, placed on deposit for him, credited to him, righteousness... Abraham possessed righteousness in the same manner as a person would possess a sum of money placed in his account in a bank.” (Wuest), v. Genesis 15:6 does not tell us how other men accounted Abraham. Pentateuch Wisdom Literature “No sinner, and try he ever so hard, can possibly carry his own sins away and come back cleansed of guilt. Who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as if they did: These works of God demonstrate His ability to count things that are not (such as our righteousness) as if they were (as in counting us righteous). 3. (Rom 4:16) Justification according to grace, through faith. Morris quoting Denney: “The paradoxical phrase, Him that justifieth the ungodly, does not suggest that justification is a fiction, whether legal or of any other sort, but that it is a miracle.”. Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, 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. Therefore, how could anyone then say (as some did in Paul’s day) that Gentiles must be circumcised before God would declare them righteous? Because of the New Covenant we have benefits of salvation that Old Testament saints did not have but we do not have a different manner of salvation. If we do not believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ, then we do not believe in the Biblical Jesus, and we do not know God. How we need to be strengthened in faith! The questions contain minimal human commentary, but instead urge students to study to understand Scripture. “Moses [in Genesis] does not, indeed, tell us what men thought of him [Abraham], but how he was accounted before the tribunal of God.” (Calvin). -------------------- “Jesus’ resurrection always includes his sacrificial death but it brings out the all-sufficiency of his death. If David were judged on works alone, the righteous God must condemn him; nevertheless he knew by experience that blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven. 2 If Abraham was made right by the things he did, he had a reason to boast about himself. But he could not say that to God. (4) The first proof of the confirmation, taken from opposites: to him who deserves anything by his labour, … Spurgeon knew that ministers and preachers especially needed to be strengthened in faith. Abraham was a blessed man, indeed, but he became heir of the world on another principle entirely – simple faith.” (Newell). Under the principle of faith, by contrast, righteousness is by God's promise (4:13-16), is by grace (4:16), and is irrespective of law (4:16). i. When he got to the middle of the frozen river, w… Major Prophets Instead, they are based on God’s declaration of Abraham’s righteousness through faith. Major Prophets They think, “It is fine for them but it won’t work for me.” This thinking is a devilish attack on faith, and must be rejected. In Romans 4:19, there is textual uncertainty as to if we should read he considered his body as good as dead or if we should read he did not consider his own body. The faith which he had while still uncircumcised, That he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised... who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised, For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, For the promise... through the righteousness of faith, Where there is no law there is no transgression, It is of faith that it might be according to grace, So that the promise might be sure to all the seed, But also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, So that he became the father of many nations, Who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as if they did, He did not consider his own body, already dead, his own body and the deadness of Sarah’s womb, He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, Being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform, fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform, David Guzik :: Génesis 14 – Abram Rescata a Lot y Conoce a Melquisedec, G1 - alpha - Strong's Greek Lexicon (KJV), David Guzik :: Hechos 9 – La Conversión de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 – Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltería, A Summary of Each Bible Book - Study Resources, Chuck Smith :: Sermon Notes for Matthew 7:6, David Guzik :: Génesis 3 – La tentación y caída del hombre, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), Genesis 37-38 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Ezekiel 31-35 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Revelation 10-12 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 39-41 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 27-28 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith). Historical Books The Gospels 2. Study Romans 4 using Matthew Henry’s Bible Commentary (concise) to better understand Scripture with full outline and verse meaning. Please see Blue Letter Bible's Privacy Policy for cookie usage details. It is when we believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, that God gives us, along with Christ, justification. i. 5 But to the one who does not work, but. “I do not think we shall have many conversions unless we expect God to bless the word, and feel certain that he will do so. Poetical Books How then was it accounted? Save: $12.00 (30%) Buy Now. (Rom 4:17-18) The life-giving power of the God Abraham believed in. “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”, a. What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? If God could call the dead womb of Sarah to life, he can call those who are dead in trespasses and sins (Ephesians 2:1) to new life in Jesus. For what does the Scripture say? So faith, in Romans 4:5, and in other places, must be considered as including its object, the gracious promise of God; for otherwise it will be a meritorious act, the very thing which the Apostle throughout repudiates with regard to man’s justification. A Gentile convert had to call Abraham “your father” and only natural born Jews could call Abraham “our father.” Paul throws out that distinction, and says that through faith, all can say, “our father Abraham.”. i. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised. i. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select an Ending Point Rather than being the meriting cause of his justification, circumcision was a sign given to affirm an already existing positive relationship with God which was on the basis of faith. The idea seems to be that Abraham was strengthened in his faith; but Paul could also mean that Abraham was strengthened by his faith – certainly both were true. Everyone who has ever been saved – Old or New Testament – is saved by grace through faith, through their relationship of a trusting love with God. Abraham and Sarah had marital relations and trusted God for a miraculous result. This shows us that faith does not mean doing nothing, but doing everything with trust and reliance on God. 3 Remember what the Bible tells us. Instead the gospel is the fulfillment of the Old Testament, and Abraham – justified through faith – is our pattern. Wisdom Literature [Refer back to the notes on Romans 2:25-29]. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. The topic of discussion is 'righteousness', that is, justification by faith.' Our Price: $54.99. iii. (Rom 4:4-5) A distinction made between grace and works. Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. i. Wuest on charis, the ancient Greek word translated grace: “Signified in classical authors a favor done out of the spontaneous generosity of the heart without any expectation or return. Bible Gateway Sponsors. Historical Books William Barclay explains that the Jewish teachers of Paul’s day had a saying: “What is written of Abraham is also written of his children,” meaning that promises given to Abraham extend to his descendants. of Scripture. Individual instructors or editors may still require the use of URLs. It sees the work of God done in the immediate (Isaac was born in fulfillment of the promise) and in the eternal (accounted to him for righteousness). Law, he says, brings wrath (4:15), as he has taught us at length in 1:18-3:20. i. In the first chapter the Apostle had announced that ‘the righteousness of God’ was revealed in the Gospel, which is on that account the power of … c. Raised because of our justification: The resurrection has an essential place in our redemption because it demonstrates God the Father’s perfect satisfaction with the Son’s work on the cross. Romans 4 - NIV: What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? Paul argues that … Who is this 'God who justifies the wicked It is the Father of Jesus Christ who, from the foundation of the earth had willed and planned his sacrificial death for the wicked ' for you and me. 4. The declaration of righteousness was made because Abraham believed God; it is only after that declaration of justification is given by God, that Abraham also believes that declaration. Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. ii. B. Romans 4 presents evidence drawn from the Law of Moses, Genesis - Deuteronomy, for the doctrine of justification by grace through faith. 4:4 4 Now to him that b worketh is the reward not c reckoned of grace, but of debt. Some people don’t come to Jesus or don’t go further with Him because they are not fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. c. Because the law brings about wrath: Our inability to keep the law (our transgression) means that it becomes essentially a vehicle of God’s wrath towards us, especially if we regard it as the principle by which we are justified and relate to God. All God's Word For You Bible Studies are written from a reformed, conservative, evangelical perspective that upholds the historic fundamentals of the Christian faith. 4 When people work, their pay is not regarded as a gift but something they have earned. Addressing head on the perceived significance of the ritual of circumcision Paul points out that God's affirmation that Abraham was justified by faith came before his instruction to Abraham to be circumcised. If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. Obedience is faith in action. Usernames should only contain letters, numbers, dots, dashes, or underscores. View more titles. Retail: $39.99. -------------------- -------------------- in the resource materials are not necessarily affirmed, in total, by this ministry. Update. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness. This one verse is an abridgement of the whole gospel.” (Poole). A Gentile could say, “I am not a Jew, I am not of the law; but I am of the faith of Abraham,” and he would be just as saved as a Jewish believer in Jesus would be. This is because by definition grace is given without regard to anything in the one who receives it. While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? 4. "THE EPISTLE TO THE ROMANS" Chapter Four OBJECTIVES IN STUDYING THIS CHAPTER 1) To understand how Abraham was justified in God's sight 2) To see that the "righteousness" God imputes to man is actually justification (i.e., forgiveness) 3) To comprehend the nature of justifying faith by considering the example of Abraham SUMMARY Now that he has declared … Abraham was counted as righteous in Genesis 15:6. Romans 4. Prophets 5 And to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is reckoned as righteousness. i. Share this page using one of these tools: Email / username or password was incorrect! “The antithesis is not simply between the worker and the non-worker but between the worker and person who does not work but believes.” (Murray). Minor Prophets Blue Letter Bible study tools make reading, searching and studying the Bible easy and rewarding. (Rom 4:9-12) Abraham was counted righteous before he was circumcised; therefore he was not counted righteous because he was circumcised. Faith, not circumcision, is the vital link to Abraham. To speak technically, we are not saved by faith. e. Able to perform: This kind of faith sees the work of God done. He shows us if we have the same type of faith Abraham had, we shall become Abraham’s children. It is of faith that it might be according to grace: Faith is related to grace in the same way works is related to law. “Counted is logizomai. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. This site affirms that God has provided in and through Jesus Christ his eternal Son, a way of forgiveness in which we can live in his presence guilt free, acquitted and at peace. The Apostle Paul does not say that Abraham was made righteous in all of his doings, but God accounted Abraham as righteous. While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? [In this chapter, note that 'justified' (1), 'blessedness' (9), and 'received the promise' (13), are three different ways of expressing the one truth. For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. “All true believers, like Abraham, obey. We become saved by our faith rather than by works. General Epistles Not being weak in faith: Abraham’s faith was strong but it was also strengthened. Paul points out to anyone who wants to relate to God on the principle of law that under this operating principle faith has no value and God's promise is worthless (4:14). It is faith, not circumcision, which identifies a person as a child of Abraham. Pauline Epistles In other words: Christian faith, like the faith of Abraham, because of which righteousness was credited to him, is faith in the true God: Jesus Christ. “Sense corrects imagination, reason corrects sense, but faith corrects both. The most popular verses from Romans. i. We are not justified because of our ungodliness, but despite our ungodliness. “When there is no contest, it is true, no one, as I have said, denies that God can do all things; but as soon as anything comes in the way to impede the course of God’s promise, we cast down God’s power from its eminence.” (Calvin). Buy Now. It must have been a shock for the Jewish readers of this letter to see that Paul called Abraham the father of uncircumcised people! Paul in Romans 4:13-25 continues using Abraham as an example of salvation. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, This free Bible study on the letter to the Romans includes: A full 13-part video Bible study. It was the entry point for a life lived under the Law of Moses: And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised that he is a debtor to keep the whole law (Galatians 5:3). We, like Abraham, will get our righteousness by faith. c. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness: Righteousness can never be accounted to the one who approaches God on the principle of works. For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. Thank you for registering. If death had held him, he would have failed; since he was raised from death, his sacrifice sufficed, God set his seal upon it by raising him up.” (Lenski), iii. “Our adversaries the papists oppose the imputation of Christ’s righteousness to us; they cavil at the very word... and yet the apostle useth the word ten times in this chapter.” (Poole). That faith which has no works with it is a dead faith, and will justify no one.” (Spurgeon), iii. In Romans 4:19, there is textual uncertainty as to if we should read he considered his body as good as dead or if we should read he did not consider his own body. The fourth difference is that those who relate to God on the basis of their works have their sin held against them, while for those who are justified by faith sin is forgiven, covered and never counted against them (4:6-8). FAQs; Tutorials; Use Bible Gateway on your Site; Advertise … It is far more important to have Abraham’s faith (and the righteousness imputed to him because of it) than it is to have Abraham’s circumcision. Therefore his righteousness wasn’t based on circumcision, but on faith. “Here it speaks of the judicial act of God the Father delivering God the Son to the justice that required the payment of the penalty for human sin.” (Wuest), ii. If God had done that, then Abraham would have been able to say great things about himself. What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found: In answering that question, Paul looks at Abraham, who was the most esteemed man among the Jewish people of his day – even greater than the “George Washington” of the Jewish people. Sin is there, but it is covered. Abraham Justified by ... NKJV Word Study Bible: 1,700 Key Words that Unlock the Meaning of the Bible. 'the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as thought they were' (4:17). And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. They did not allow a circumcised Gentile convert to Judaism refer to Abraham as “our father” in the synagogue. But God knew different. 2 God did not accept Abraham because Abraham had done good things. What did he learn about faith? d. For what does the Scripture say? 1. iii. The Most Popular Verses from the letter to the Romans. range of evangelical traditions, all of the ideas and principles conveyed i. Abraham’s example also helps us to understand the nature of faith. 3 That’s why the Scriptures say, “Abraham believed God, and because of this he was accepted as one who is right with God.” # Quote from … Devotional readings in order to Help you refocus on Christ and the perceptions of all of the law %... Declaration of Abraham ’ s faith was accounted to him who justifies the ungodly making... Trust and reliance on God been sent to the dead and calls things are... The time us at length in 1:18-3:20 Psalm 32:1,2 defined commandment ” Spurgeon... Dunn ) the uncircumcised also has something to boast about himself book has been sent to the one who it. Him as righteousness. ” Christian faith as the book of Romans page 1 a study through the book of page! Perceptions and the perceptions of all religious teaching outside of the world would be blessed every one of who! 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