Thus far in his letter to the Roman churches Paul shared his concern for believers throughout the region. The apostle believed the Gentile world was under condemnation because of widespread sin.
Paul also rebuked his audience pointing out condemnation was not to come from man but from God almighty who should be the only judge according to the truth, without prejudice as to race, creed or denomination.
Circumcision was also mentioned, as it will again whereas Paul cites salvation does not come from circumcision but from faith, from a promise made by God to Abraham.
“1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.” (Romans 4:1-2)
Here Paul asks his readers if Abraham, a man with a long trail of obedience and ample works to speak of could be justified before God without faith. The answer is no. None are saved by works but by faith.
“3 What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” (Romans 4:3-5)
Paul quote Genesis 15:5 when God promised Abraham and his wife Sarah an heir even though they were both in the twilight of their lives. The fact Abraham believed God’s promise was credited to him as righteousness thereby reinforcing the truth about salvation stemming from faith.
“6 David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him. 9 Is this blessedness only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We have been saying that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. 10 Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!” (Romans 4:6-10)
The apostle now uses David’s salvation, also by faith, as a justification of the truth, that no one can be saved by works. Through God’s mercy believers, such as David and Abraham are saved and given the gift of eternal life.
“11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them. 12 And he is also the father of the circumcised who not only are circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.” (Romans 4:11-12)
By faith Abraham was to become the father of both the circumcised, the Jews and the uncircumcised, the Gentiles. What exactly is the meaning of circumcision? It is an outwardly sign of the existing covenant made between Abraham and God.
“13 It was not through law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who live by law are heirs, faith has no value and the promise is worthless, 15 because law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.” (Romans 4:13-15)
God’s promise to Abraham was not through circumcision but by faith. The same promise applies to all believers, that salvation comes by faith through God’s mercy and Grace, not by works or by the Mosaic law.
“16Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16)
A free gift from God, given to anyone who believe in Him, and who believes in Jesus Christ, salvation stems from God’s grace, His favor. Both Jews and Gentiles, all men are invited to rejoice with God in heaven by way of faith.
“17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.” (Romans 4:17)
What began with a name change, from Abram (father) to Abraham (father of a multitude) eventually became the stage by which God would breath life into the spiritually dead, anyone who trust in Him will inherit eternal life.
“18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.” (Romans 4:18-21)
God promised an heir to Abraham and Sarah when there was no home of conception. Because they both believed their trust was counted as righteousness. God brought life to an otherwise dead womb, just as He will bring eternal life to anyone who believe in Him and His son Jesus Christ.
“22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:22-25)
Justified by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, through faith believers are invited to rejoice with God and Jesus in heaven. We are saved by faith and sanctified, made righteous by works.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and all your understanding knowing that nothing is impossible to God. Follow in Jesus’ footsteps and allow your faith to guide you to eternal life as you serve one another in Love according to the word. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
