Romans 4
Introduction:
In Romans 4-8, Paul explained how God's great plan of salvation was in complete harmony with the Old Testament Scriptures. He began first with the father of the Jewish nation, Abraham.
(John Courson) In Romans 3, Paul shared something that must have appeared radical, almost heretical to his readers when he said salvation does not come from keeping rules and regulations, from trying to be “good little boys and girls,” from trying to be mystical or spiritual—but by faith, apart from the deeds of the law. “For what purpose was the law given?” his readers must have wondered. A Hindu philosopher came forth after a ten-year silence and declared to his followers at an ashram in India that the whole world runs by the Ten Commandments. Now, if even a Hindu made such an observation, how could Paul say salvation comes not through the law or as a result of the law? He could do so because he contended that the sole reason the law was given was to show people that they are depraved and despicable sinners in desperate need of a Savior (3:31). “We’re not voiding the law,” Paul insisted. “We’re fulfilling the very reason for which it was given—to make you see your need of a Savior and to drive you to grace.” So, after arguing theologically in chapter 3 that justification and salvation come simply by believing, Paul makes his point historically here in chapter 4.
(Warren Wiersbe) Justification Illustrated (Rom. 4:1-25) The Jewish Christians in Rome would immediately have asked, "How does this doctrine of justification by faith relate to our history? Paul, you say that this doctrine is witnessed to by the Law and the Prophets. Well, what about Abraham?" Paul accepted the challenge and explained how Abraham was saved. Abraham was called "our father," referring primarily to the Jews' natural and physical descent from Abraham. But in Romans 4:11, Abraham was also called "the father of all of them that believe," meaning, all who have trusted Christ (see Gal. 3:1-18). Paul stated three important facts about Abraham's salvation that prove that the patriarch's spiritual experience was like that of believers today.
Romans 3:24-31 - 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law. 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then make void the law through faith? Certainly not! On the contrary, we establish the law.
Romans Chapter 4
Justification Illustrated
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,
6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin."
Observation:
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.3a For what does the Scripture say?
3b "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."How does the wages of our work counted?
4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.What makes a person accounted for righteousness?
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,How David describes the blessedness of the man?
6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: 7 "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin."
Interpretation:
How does Abraham justified/saved? or Does Abraham justified/saved by works or faith?
1 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.3a For what does the Scripture say?
3b "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness."What is impute, reckon, accounted, counted means?
to attribute or ascribe (something discreditable), as to a person.
Law: to ascribe to or charge (a person) with an act or quality because of the conduct of another over whom one has control or for whose acts or conduct one is responsible.
Theology: to attribute (righteousness, guilt, etc.) to a person or persons vicariously; ascribe as derived from another.
Greek word logizomai (Strongs G3049).
to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over
to take into account, to make an account of
metaph. to pass to one's account, to impute
a thing is reckoned as or to be something, i.e. as availing for or equivalent to something, as having the like force and weight
to consider, take into account, weigh, meditate on
(Warren Wiersbe) The word counted in Romans 4:3 is a Greek word that means "to put to one's account." It is a banking term. This same word is used eleven times in this chapter, translated "reckoned" (Rom. 4:4, 9-10) and "imputed" (Rom. 4:6, 8, 11, 21-24), as well as "counted."
Translated as think 9, impute 8, reckon 6, count 5, account 4, suppose 2, reason 1, number 1, misc 5
Following are few usage:
Rom 3:28
Therefore we conclude3049 that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 4:3
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted3049 unto him for righteousness.
Rom 4:4
Now to him that worketh is3049 the reward not reckoned3049 of grace, but of debt.
Rom 4:5
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted3049 for righteousness.
Rom 4:6
Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth3049 righteousness without works,
Rom 4:8
Blessed [is] the man to whom the Lord will3049 not impute3049 sin.
Rom 4:9
[Cometh] this blessedness then upon the circumcision [only], or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned3049 to Abraham for righteousness.
Rom 4:10
How was it3049 then reckoned3049? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
Rom 4:11
And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which [he had yet] being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe , though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed3049 unto them also:
Rom 4:22
And therefore it was imputed3049 to him for righteousness.
Rom 4:23
Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed3049 to him;
Rom 4:24
But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed3049 , if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;
Rom 6:11
Likewise reckon3049 ye also yourselves to be dead indeed unto sin, but alive unto God through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Rom 8:18
For I reckon3049 that the sufferings of this present time [are] not worthy [to be compared] with the glory which shall be revealed in us.
Genesis 15:6 - 1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." 2 But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." 5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
(Wuest) “Counted is logizomai. 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.”
(Warren Wiersbe) He was justified by faith, not works (w. 1-8). Paul called two witnesses to prove that statement: Abraham (Gen. 15:6) and David (Ps. 32:1-2).
In Romans 4:1-3, Paul examined the experience of Abraham as recorded in Genesis 15. Abraham had defeated the kings (Gen. 14) and was wondering if they would return to fight again. God appeared to him and assured him that He was his shield and "exceeding great reward." But the thing that Abraham wanted most was a son and heir. God had promised him a son, but as yet the promise had not been fulfilled.
It was then that God told him to look at the stars. "So shall thy seed [descendants] be!" God promised; and Abraham believed God's promise. The Hebrew word translated believed means "to say amen." God gave a promise, and Abraham responded with "Amen!" It was this faith that was counted for righteousness.
When a man works, he earns a salary and this money is put to his account. But Abraham did not work for his salvation; he simply trusted God's Word. It was Jesus Christ who did the work on the cross, and His righteousness was put on Abraham's account.
(David Guzik) The Old Testament does not say Abraham was declared righteous because of his works. Instead, Genesis 15:6 says that Abraham believed God and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
Paul makes it clear: Abraham’s righteousness did not come from his performance of good works, but from his belief in God. It was a righteousness obtained through faith.
Generally, the Jewish teachers of Paul’s day believed that Abraham was justified by his works, by keeping the law. Ancient passages from the rabbis says: “We find that Abraham our father had performed the whole Law before it was given” and “Abraham was perfect in all his deeds with the Lord.” The rabbis argued that Abraham kept the law perfectly, even before it was given, in that he kept it by intuition or anticipation.
The Apostle Paul does not say that Abraham was made righteous in all of his doings, but God accounted Abraham as righteous. Our justification is not God making us perfectly righteous, but counting us as perfectly righteous. After we are counted righteous, then God begins making us truly righteous, culminating in our resurrection.
(Calvin) Genesis 15:6 does not tell us how other men accounted Abraham. Instead, it tells us how God accounted him. “Moses [in Genesis] does not, indeed, tell us what men thought of him [Abraham], but how he was accounted before the tribunal of God.”
How does the wages of our work counted? or Does the wages of our work counted as gift or grace?
4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.Wages produced by works never/not counted as grace
(David Guzik) The idea of grace stands opposite to the principle of works; grace has to do with receiving the freely given gift of God, works has to do with earning our merit before God.
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. Of course, this favor was always done to one’s friend, never to an enemy . . . But when charis comes into the New Testament, it takes an infinite leap forward, for the favor God did at Calvary was for those who hated Him.”
Application: (John Courson) It’s a hard thing to say, but it’s true: Some of the greatest blessings both in my life and flowing through my life have come when I have not been in prayer, when I have not had strong faith, when I’ve not been what I should or want to be. God’s blessings during those times remind me that everything that comes my way is because of grace—unmerited, undeserved, unearned favor. This creates in me a heart that wants to love the Lord and worship Him rather than a tendency to say, “If I’ve accomplished this with three hours of prayer, I wonder what I could do with six!”
Am I saying we should never pray? If you’re praying to earn reward, give it up.
But if you’re praying because you enjoy the Lord, are amazed at His goodness to you, because you want to participate with Him in what He’s doing on the earth, because you love to spend time with Him, or because you’re thankful for Him and want to be close to Him—then pray!
If you get up at three o’clock tomorrow morning to pray in order to fulfill an obligation, God won’t be impressed a whit. But if you get up at three o’clock just to enjoy Him, He’ll be blessed. The man, woman, or congregation that truly understands that salvation is all about grace will find themselves praying, worshiping, studying, witnessing—not because they’re trying to earn God’s blessing, but because they’re responding to the One who’s already been so good to them.
Wages produced by works counted as debt:
(David Guzik) A system of works seeks to put God in debt to us, to have God owe us His favor because of our good behavior. In works-thinking, God owes us salvation or blessing because of our good works.
(Murray) God isn’t praising laziness here. “The antithesis is not simply between the worker and the non-worker but between the worker and person who does not work but believes.”
What makes a person accounted for righteousness? or How God justifies?
5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness,God imputes His righteousness to anyone who believes in Him. Only by faith anyone can obtain God's righteousness:
Romans 9:32 - 30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness of faith; 31 but Israel, pursuing the law of righteousness, has not attained to the law of righteousness. 32 Why? Because they did not seek it by faith, but as it were, by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumbling stone. 33 As it is written: "Behold, I lay in Zion a stumbling stone and rock of offense, And whoever believes on Him will not be put to shame."
Rom 10:3 - 1 Brethren, my heart's desire and prayer to God for Israel is that they may be saved. 2 For I bear them witness that they have a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge. 3 For they being ignorant of God's righteousness, and seeking to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God. 4 For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Phil 3:9 - 8 Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ 9 and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which is from God by faith; 10 that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death, 11 if, by any means, I may attain to the resurrection from the dead.
(David Guzik)
Righteousness can never be accounted to the one who approaches God on the principle of works. Instead it is given to the one who believes on Him who justifies the ungodly.
This is who God justifies - the ungodly. We might expect God would only justify a godly man but because of what Jesus did on the cross, God can justify the ungodly.
It isn’t as if God is happy with our ungodly condition. We are not justified because of our ungodliness, but despite our ungodliness.
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.”
Just as Abraham believed and it was accounted to him for righteousness, so our faith is accounted for righteousness. This was not some special arrangement meant for Abraham alone. We can enter into this relationship with God also.
By this we understand that there are not two ways of salvation - saved by works or law-keeping in the Old Testament, and saved by grace through faith in the New Testament. Everyone who has ever been saved - Old or New Testament - is saved by grace through faith, through their relationship of trusting love with God. Because of the New Covenant we have benefits of salvation that the Old Testament saint did not have, but we do not have a different manner of salvation
(Warren Wiersbe) God justifies the ungodly! The Law said, "I will not justify the wicked" (Ex. 23:7). The Old Testament judge was commanded to "justify the righteous, and condemn the wicked" (Deut. 25:1). When Solomon dedicated the temple, he asked God to condemn the wicked and justify the righteous! (1 Kings 8:31-32) But God justifies the ungodly—because there are no godly for Him to justify! He put our sins on Christ's account that He might put Christ's righteousness on our account.
Why then James says "a man is justified by works, and not by faith only" in James 2:24?
James 2:24 - You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only.James also using Abraham as an example to explain this point
Does James' teaching contradicting with Paul's teaching? Does these verses contradict each other?
No, absolutely not.
Following is the thumb rule to follow:
God inspired all the writers of the Bible.
2 Peter 1:20-21 - 20 knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, 21 for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.
2 Tim 3:16 - 16 All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
Since God Himself is the author of the Bible so no writers or verses in the Bible contradicts each other.
Go to God the author of the Bible and ask if you had any confusion or question arise. The same God who inspired the writers lives within us will answer/inspire/explain us clearly.
1 John 2:27 - But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him.
Read overall context to understand with the help of God.
To understand this better we need to know overall context in James 2:14-26:
James 2:14-26 - 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
James uses Abraham as an example to prove his point in James 2:21-24. Let us go through this in detail and understand clearly:
When did God promise Abraham to bless with a child?
When Abraham was 86 years old God promised Abraham to bless with a child.
Genesis 15:1-5 - 1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." 2 But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." 5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be."
When did Abraham believe God's promise and he was accounted to be righteous?
When Abraham was approximately 86 years old immediately after Abraham heard God's promise, Abraham believed God's promise and he was accounted to be righteous.
Genesis 15:6 - And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 16:16 - Abram was eighty-six years old when Hagar bore Ishmael to Abram.
When did God fulfill His promise by blessing a child Isaac to Abraham and Sarah?
When Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90 years old God fulfilled His promise by blessing them a child Isaac.
Genesis 17:17 - Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?"
We can get the answers for the following questions from this article Abraham's Promises and its fulfillments.
When did God ask Abraham to sacrifice Isaac?
When Abraham was approximately 130 years old and Isaac was approximately 30 years old God requested Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
Genesis 22:18 - In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
How long later God requested Abraham to sacrifice Isaac from the time Abraham believed and God accounted to be righteous?
When Abraham was 86 years old immediately after Abraham heard God's promise, Abraham believed God's promise and he was accounted to be righteous.
Approximately forty four years later when Abraham was 130 years old and Isaac was 30 years old God requested Abraham to sacrifice Isaac.
Did Abraham obey God's request?
Yes, Abraham obeyed God's voice/request and took Isaac to sacrifice.
Abraham's faith produced the fruit
Genesis 22:18 - In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
Did Abraham justify or account to be righteous only after he obeyed God's request to sacrifice Isaac?
No.
What is James teaching about works based on overall context in James 2:14-26?
James is teaching that faith that saves/justifies a person has to produce fruit in
James 2:14, 17, 20, 26 - 14 What does it profit, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister is naked and destitute of daily food, 16 and one of you says to them, "Depart in peace, be warmed and filled," but you do not give them the things which are needed for the body, what does it profit? 17 Thus also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith, and I have works." Show me your faith without your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. 19 You believe that there is one God. You do well. Even the demons believe--and tremble! 20 But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead? 21 Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar? 22 Do you see that faith was working together with his works, and by works faith was made perfect? 23 And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God. 24 You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. 25 Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? 26 For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Then only that faith is active or genuine. Works produced from faith is the evidence of our salvation.
So, as Paul teaches God justifies Abraham when he believed in Him at the age of 86 years and later as James teaches in James 2:14, 17, 20, 26 Abraham's genuine faith produced fruit. God justifies Abraham when he believed because God knows through His foreknowledge as Peter teaches in 1 Peter 1:2 that Abraham will produce fruit or obey God through His faith in God.
Application: How to test your salvation?
NLT: 2 Cor 13:5 - Examine yourselves to see if your faith is really genuine. Test yourselves. If you cannot tell that Jesus Christ is among you, it means you have failed the test.
2 Cor 13:5 - Examine yourselves as to whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Do you not know yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?--unless indeed you are disqualified.
James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
1 Thes 1:3 - 2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, 3 remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, 4 knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.
2 Cor 5:14 - For the love of Christ compels us, because we judge thus: that if One died for all, then all died;
How the genuine faith produce works/fruits?
Every true believers in Christ has to will produce fruit as a result of God's work within us.By Abiding with Jesus Christ
John 1:5 - “I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.God will warn you if you go on your own way or do your own ministry instead of allowing Him to work within us.
NIV: Revelation 3:2 - Wake up! Strengthen what remains and is about to die, for I have not found your deeds complete in the sight of my God
God may discipline you if you go away from Him or practice sin.
Heb 12:5-11 - 5 And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons: "My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, Nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him; 6 For whom the Lord loves (Agapao) He chastens, And scourges every son whom He receives." 7 If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten? 8 But if you are without chastening, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate and not sons. 9 Furthermore, we have had human fathers who corrected us, and we paid them respect. Shall we not much more readily be in subjection to the Father of spirits and live? 10 For they indeed for a few days chastened us as seemed best to them, but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness. 11 Now no chastening seems to be joyful for the present, but painful; nevertheless, afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it.
And just doing whatever He ask us do through His Holy Spirit. (Walking in the Spirit)
Gal 5:16-26 - 16 I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh. 17 For the flesh lusts against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; and these are contrary to one another, so that you do not do the things that you wish. 18 But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law ...... 22 But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.
David's experience proves that he was justified not by works but by his faith:
6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works
7 "Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin."
Who is the blessed man?
6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from worksHow David describes the blessedness of the man?
David was describing the blessedness of the man inPsalm 32:1-2 - 1 A Psalm of David. A Contemplation. Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
When did David write this Psalm?
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul used David as a witness, quoting from one of David's psalms of confession after his terrible sin with Bathsheba (Ps. 32:1-2).
What two important points David was pointing out in this Psalm 32:1-2?
David's two important points are
God forgives transgression and God covers sins
God does not impute sin/iniquity but impute righteousness
What these two important points refers to? or How does David justified/saved? or Does David justified/saved by works or faith?
We know that David is the man of faith that is the reason God called him as "man after His own heart":
Acts 13:22 - 21 And afterward they asked for a king; so God gave them Saul the son of Kish, a man of the tribe of Benjamin, for forty years. 22 And when He had removed him, He raised up for them David as king, to whom also He gave testimony and said, 'I have found David the son of Jesse, a man after My own heart, who will do all My will.' 23 From this man's seed, according to the promise, God raised up for Israel a Savior--Jesus
These two important points David refers to Salvation/Justification. We can see this in detail:
2 Sam 12:5,9,13,14,20-23 - 1 Then the Lord sent Nathan to David. And he came to him, and said to him: "There were two men in one city, one rich and the other poor. 2 The rich man had exceedingly many flocks and herds. 3 But the poor man had nothing, except one little ewe lamb which he had bought and nourished; and it grew up together with him and with his children. It ate of his own food and drank from his own cup and lay in his bosom; and it was like a daughter to him. 4 And a traveler came to the rich man, who refused to take from his own flock and from his own herd to prepare one for the wayfaring man who had come to him; but he took the poor man's lamb and prepared it for the man who had come to him." 5 So David's anger was greatly aroused against the man, and he said to Nathan, "As the Lord lives, the man who has done this shall surely die! 6 And he shall restore fourfold for the lamb, because he did this thing and because he had no pity." 7 Then Nathan said to David, "You are the man! Thus says the Lord God of Israel: 'I anointed you king over Israel, and I delivered you from the hand of Saul. 8 I gave you your master's house and your master's wives into your keeping, and gave you the house of Israel and Judah. And if that had been too little, I also would have given you much more! 9 Why have you despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in His sight? You have killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword; you have taken his wife to be your wife, and have killed him with the sword of the people of Ammon. 10 Now therefore, the sword shall never depart from your house, because you have despised Me, and have taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be your wife.' 11 Thus says the Lord: 'Behold, I will raise up adversity against you from your own house; and I will take your wives before your eyes and give them to your neighbor, and he shall lie with your wives in the sight of this sun. 12 For you did it secretly, but I will do this thing before all Israel, before the sun.' " 13 So David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the Lord." And Nathan said to David, "The Lord also has put away your sin; you shall not die. 14 However, because by this deed you have given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also who is born to you shall surely die." 15 Then Nathan departed to his house.And the Lord struck the child that Uriah's wife bore to David, and it became ill. 16 David therefore pleaded with God for the child, and David fasted and went in and lay all night on the ground. 17 So the elders of his house arose and went to him, to raise him up from the ground. But he would not, nor did he eat food with them. 18 Then on the seventh day it came to pass that the child died. And the servants of David were afraid to tell him that the child was dead. For they said, "Indeed, while the child was alive, we spoke to him, and he would not heed our voice. How can we tell him that the child is dead? He may do some harm!" 19 When David saw that his servants were whispering, David perceived that the child was dead. Therefore David said to his servants, "Is the child dead?" And they said, "He is dead." 20 So David arose from the ground, washed and anointed himself, and changed his clothes; and he went into the house of the Lord and worshiped. Then he went to his own house; and when he requested, they set food before him, and he ate. 21 Then his servants said to him, "What is this that you have done? You fasted and wept for the child while he was alive, but when the child died, you arose and ate food." 22 And he said, "While the child was alive, I fasted and wept; for I said, 'Who can tell whether the Lord will be gracious to me, that the child may live?' 23 But now he is dead; why should I fast? Can I bring him back again? I shall go to him, but he shall not return to me."
David was sharing his salvation/justification experience that proves that he was justified not by works but by his faith.
Forgives our sins: (David Guzik) King David of the Old Testament knew what it was like to be a guilty sinner; he knew the seriousness of sin and how good it is to be truly forgiven. He knew the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works. 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.
(Lenski) “No sinner, and try he ever so hard, can possibly carry his own sins away and come back cleansed of guilt. No amount of money, no science, no inventive skill, no armies of millions, nor any other earthly power can carry away from the sinner one little sin and its guilt. Once it is committed, every sin and its guilt cling to the sinner as close as does his own shadow, cling to all eternity unless God carries them away.”
Cleanse us and imputes righteousness: (David Guzik) David speaks of the blessedness, not of the one who is justified through works, but of the one who is cleansed through imputation. This is centered on what God places upon us (the righteousness of Jesus), not on what we can do for God.
Read Justification article for more details.
(David Guzik) David agrees with Abraham regarding the idea of an imputed righteousness, a goodness that is given, not earned.
(Poole) “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.”
Application: Are you experiencing like David?
David's salvation experience are:
God forgives transgression and God covers sins
God does not impute sin/iniquity but impute righteousness
Are you experiencing guiltless life?
(Warren Wiersbe) Once we are justified, our record contains Christ's perfect righteousness and can never again contain our sins.
Because God forgets believers sins
Jeremiah 31:34- No more shall every man teach his neighbor, and every man his brother, saying, 'Know the Lord,' for they all shall know Me, from the least of them to the greatest of them, says the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and their sin I will remember no more."
Hebrews 10:17 (quote from Jeremiah 31:34) - then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Hebrews 8:12 - For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more."
Psalm 103:12 - As far as the east is from the west, So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
Is 1:18 - "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the Lord, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool.
Are you experiencing God given freedom?
We have to free from legalism or rituals:
John 8 31-36 - 31 Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, "If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. 32 And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." 33 They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can you say, 'You will be made free'?" 34 Jesus answered them, "Most assuredly, I say to you, whoever commits sin is a slave of sin. 35 And a slave does not abide in the house forever, but a son abides forever. 36 Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.
Col 2:13-17,21-23 - 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it. 16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ ... ... ... ....... 21 "Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle," 22 which all concern things which perish with the using--according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.
What would you do when you sin/trespass/transgress? or What would you do when you sin and feel guilty?
Do you cover your sin? or Is it ok to cover our sin?
No. Never cover your sin but confess the sin to the Lord.
Prov 28:13 - He who covers his sins will not prosper, But whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy
1 John 1:9 - 9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we say that we have not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us.
(Warren Wiersbe) Christians do sin, and these sins need to be forgiven if we are to have fellowship with God (1 John 1:5-7); but these sins are not held against us.
1 John 1:5-7 - 5 This is the message which we have heard from Him and declare to you, that God is light and in Him is no darkness at all. 6 If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. 7 But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
(Warren Wiersbe) God does keep a record of our works, so that He might reward us when Jesus comes; but He is not keeping a record of our sins.
God never forget believers good works/services to our God
Hebrew 6:10 - For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
NLT: Hebrew 6:10 - For God is not unfair. He will not forget how hard you have worked for him and how you have shown your love to him by caring for other Christians, as you still do.1 Corinthians 15:58 - Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
NLT: 1 Corinthians 15:58 - So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and steady, always enthusiastic about the Lord's work, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.Galatians 6:9-10 - 9 And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith.
Paul through Abraham and David showed that they have justified/saved by faith apart from the deeds of the law and proved that "a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law":
Romans 3:27-28 - 27 Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the deeds of the law.
Abraham Justified before Circumcision or Abraham becomes the father of all who have faith in God:
9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 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, 12 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.
Observation:
9a Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also?
How Abraham was accounted for righteousness?
9b For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.10a How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised?
10b Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
What did Abraham receive?
11a And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faithWhen did Abraham receive the sign of circumcision, and the seal of the righteousness of the faith?
11b which he had while still uncircumcised,What does this "justification before circumcision" made Abraham to be?
11c that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,Does not Abraham the father of circumcised?
12a and the father of circumcisionIn what basis anyone can join the Abraham's family (Israelites) or descendent of Abraham?
12 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.
Interpretation:
What this blessedness Paul is talking about?
David describes this blessedness in
Romans 4:6 - just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works
In other words blessedness is the justification by grace through faith apart from keeping the law.
Is this justification only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? or 9a Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also?
Read basics of Circumcision in The Covenant of Circumcision topic. This answers following questions:
What is circumcision?
Where and who instituted/established the circumcision? Why?
Who made the covenant?
What is the Covenant?
What needs to be done to keep the covenant?
Who needs to be circumcised?
In what age they need to circumcise?
What happen if one refuse to circumcise?
Is there any way/options God provided to anyone who wants to become a Abraham's family (Israel)?
...
Who are these circumcised and uncircumcised represent?
Circumcised represent Jews/Israelites and uncircumcised represent non-Jews or Gentails.
Romans 3:29-30 - 29 Or Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
NLT: Romans 4:9 - Now then, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it for Gentiles, too? Well, what about Abraham? We have been saying he was declared righteous by God because of his faith.
Eph 2:11 - Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands
How Abraham was accounted for righteousness?
9b For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.Does Abraham justified while he was circumcised or uncircumcised? or 10a How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised?
10b Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.Abraham justified while he was uncircumcised
We will go through this in detail in next verse under When did God justify and request Abraham to circumcise?
Abraham's faith alone was accounted him for righteousness not his deeds of the law or his circumcision.
(David Guzik) If we are counted righteous by God because of faith, not because of circumcision (or any other ritual), then the blessedness mentioned in Romans 4:7 can be given to the uncircumcised Gentiles by faith.
What did Abraham receive?
11a And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faithAbraham received the sign of circumcision and the seal of the righteousness of the faith
What is the sign of circumcision?
Abraham received the covenant of circumcision as the sign of circumcision and Abraham faithfully circumcised as per the request from God.
Genesis 17:11 - and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.
What is seal of the righteousness of the faith?
Abraham accounted to be righteous when he believed the LORD is the seal of righteousness of faith.
Genesis 15:6 - 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." 5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Application: see below application for more details for sign and seal.
When did God justify and request Abraham to circumcise? or When did Abraham receive the sign of circumcision, and the seal of the righteousness of the faith?
11b which he had while still uncircumcised,While Abraham was uncircumcised he received the sign of circumcision, and the seal of the righteousness of the faith
While Abraham was uncircumcised God justify Abraham and requested him to circumcise
Did God justify Abraham before He requested him to circumcise?
Yes
(David Guzik) Abraham was counted as righteous in Genesis 15:6. He did not receive the covenant of circumcision until Genesis 17, which was at least 14 years later. Therefore his righteousness wasn’t based on circumcision, but on faith.
Genesis 15:6 - 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir." 5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
Genesis 17:11 - and you shall be circumcised in the flesh of your foreskins, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between Me and you. 12 He who is eight days old among you shall be circumcised, every male child in your generations, he who is born in your house or bought with money from any foreigner who is not your descendant.
(Warren Wiersbe) The conclusion is obvious: circumcision had nothing to do with his justification.
What does this "justification before circumcision" made Abraham to be?
11c that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also,It made Abraham to be the father of all those who believe in Almighty God.
Especially Abraham becomes the father of gentile belivers.
Does not Abraham the father of circumcised?
12a and the father of circumcisionYes, Abraham was the father of circumcised/Jews.
In what basis anyone can join the Abraham's family (Israelites) or descendent of Abraham?
12 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.To join the Abraham's family or descendant of Abraham they have to have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised and circumcised.
NLT: Romans 4:12 - And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Romans 3:29-30 - 29 Or Is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Why Paul was emphasizing this justification while Abraham was uncircumcised?
The emphasize and focus must be in the faith in God not in the circumcision.
(David Guzik) The Jews of Paul’s day wanted to use circumcision to declare that they were the true decedents of Abraham. Paul insists that to have Abraham as your father, you must walk in the steps of the faith that Abraham walked in.
“Our father Abraham” is an important phrase, one that the ancient Jews jealously guarded. They did not allow a circumcised Gentile convert to Judaism refer to Abraham as “our father” in the synagogue. 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.”
It must have been a shock for the Jewish readers of Romans to see that Paul calls Abraham the father of uncircumcised people! Faith, not circumcision, is the vital link to Abraham. 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.
(Warren Wiersbe) As we have seen, the Jews gloried in circumcision and the Law. If a Jew was to become righteous before God, he would have to be circumcised and obey the Law. Paul had already made it clear in Romans 2:12-29 that there must be an inward obedience to the Law, and a "circumcision of the heart." Mere external observances can never save the lost sinner.
Paul proved "justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith" through Abraham:
Romans 3:30 - since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
God is one to all humanity and the ways to reach Him also one:
Romans 3:29-30 - 29 Or is He the God of the Jews only? Is He not also the God of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also, 30 since there is one God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
Eph 2:8- 8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them. 11 Therefore remember that you, once Gentiles in the flesh--who are called Uncircumcision by what is called the Circumcision made in the flesh by hands-- 12 that at that time you were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world.13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation, 15 having abolished in His flesh the enmity, that is, the law of commandments contained in ordinances, so as to create in Himself one new man from the two, thus making peace, 16 and that He might reconcile them both to God in one body through the cross, thereby putting to death the enmity.17 And He came and preached peace to you who were afar off and to those who were near. 18 For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father. 19 Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 having been built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ Himself being the chief corner stone, 21 in whom the whole building, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord, 22 in whom you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God in the Spirit.
Eph 4:4-6 - 4 There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called in one hope of your calling; 5 one Lord, one faith, one baptism; 6 one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in you all.
God is revealing Paul the fulfillment of promise God gave to Abraham:
Col 1:26 - the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
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. Paul heartily agreed with this principle, and extended the principle of being justified by faith to all Abraham’s spiritual descendants, those who believe, who also walk in the steps of the faith of Abraham.
Genesis 22:18 - In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
Genesis 28:14 - Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Galatians 3:16 - Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Application:
Read basics of Circumcision in The Covenant of Circumcision topic. This answers following questions:
....
Is this circumcision still applicable or necessary now?
Why circumcision is not necessary now?
Is there anything similar to circumcision exist in Christianity?
What you learn from the sign and the seal that Abraham received?
God will seal us when we put our faith in Him. In response to our faith in God we publically declare the world that I belong to God through the sign of circumcision or baptism.Circumcision is the outward sign of our inward change in our heart due to our faith in God.
True circumcision is not just outward action in the flesh; but circumcision is of inward change of heart by the work of the Spirit, not just the knowledge or the God's word.
(Warren Wiersbe) Circumcision did not add to Abraham's salvation; it merely attested to it.
Deuteronomy 10:16 - Therefore circumcise the foreskin of your heart, and be stiff-necked no longer.
Jeremiah 4:4 - Circumcise yourselves to the Lord, And take away the foreskins of your hearts, You men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem, Lest My fury come forth like fire, And burn so that no one can quench it, Because of the evil of your doings."
Acts 7:51 - 51 "You stiffnecked and uncircumcised in heart and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit; as your fathers did, so do you.
Deuteronomy 30:6 - And the Lord your God will circumcise your heart and the heart of your descendants, to love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul, that you may live.
Romans 2:28,29 - 28 For he is not a Jew who is one outwardly, nor is circumcision that which is outward in the flesh; 29 but he is a Jew who is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the Spirit, not in the letter; whose praise is not from men but from God.
NLT: Romans 2:28-29 - 28 For you are not a true Jew just because you were born of Jewish parents or because you have gone through the Jewish ceremony of circumcision. 29 No, a true Jew is one whose heart is right with God. And true circumcision is not a cutting of the body but a change of heart produced by God's Spirit. Whoever has that kind of change seeks praise from God, not from people.
Believers today are sealed by the Holy Spirit of God (Eph. 1:13-14). They have also experienced a spiritual circumcision in the heart (Col. 2:10-12), not just a minor physical operation, but the putting off of the old nature through the death and resurrection of Christ.
Eph. 1:13-14 - 13 In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise, 14 who is the guarantee of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, to the praise of His glory.
Col. 2:10-12 - 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. 11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead.
All Abraham's descendants both circumcised and uncircumcised will inherit all Abraham's promises when they have faith in God:
13 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. 14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression. 16 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
Observation:
To whom the promise "he would be the heir of the world" was given?
13 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.What happens if those who keep the law inherit this world? or What happens if those who are of the law become heirs of the world?
14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,Why those who keep the law cannot obtain the promise "he would be the heir of the world"? or Why those who keep the law cannot inherit this world?
15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.How to obtain the promise "he would be the heir of the world"?
16 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 17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;
Interpretation:
To whom the promise "he would be the heir of the world" was given?
13 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.What is heir?
a person who inherits or has a right of inheritance in the property of another following the latter's death.
a person who is entitled to inherit the rank, title, position, etc., of another.
What does "heir of the world" mean?
It means a person who inherit this world/earth.
NLT: Romans 4:13a - It is clear, then, that God's promise to give the whole earth ...
From where Paul is quoting this promise?
This "he would be the heir of the world" refers to the promise God gave to Abraham in Gen 12; 15; 17; 22:
Gen 17:4-7 - 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you. 7 And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.
Gen 22:17,18 - 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son-- 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
Did Abraham receive this promise by keeping the Law?
Did Abraham justify before the law was given?
Yes Abraham justified before the Law was given.
Law was given during Moses period that is approximately 400 years after Abraham period.
Gen 15:13 - Then He said to Abram: "Know certainly that your descendants will be strangers in a land that is not theirs, and will serve them, and they will afflict them four hundred years.
Exodus 20:1 - 1 And God spoke all these words, saying: 2 "I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. 3 You shall have no other gods before Me
Did Abraham receive this promise before the law was given?
Yes Abraham received this promise before the Law was given.
Did Abraham receive this promise before he was justified?
Yes, Abraham received the promise before he was justified or accounted for righteousness.
Is this a conditional promise?
This promise is not conditional like how God listed blessings in Deut 28.
Deut 28:1-3,13,15 - 1 "Now it shall come to pass, if you diligently obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments which I command you today, that the Lord your God will set you high above all nations of the earth. 2 And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, because you obey the voice of the Lord your God: ....... 13 And the Lord will make you the head and not the tail; you shall be above only, and not be beneath, if you heed the commandments of the Lord your God, which I command you today, and are careful to observe them. 14 So you shall not turn aside from any of the words which I command you this day, to the right or the left, to go after other gods to serve them. 15 "But it shall come to pass, if you do not obey the voice of the Lord your God, to observe carefully all His commandments and His statutes which I command you today, that all these curses will come upon you and overtake you:
What happens if those who keep the law inherit this world? or What happens if those who are of the law become heirs of the world?
14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect,How faith made void?
If we are able to earn this promise (inherits this world) by keeping the law perfectly then we do not want faith.
Romans 3:19,20 - 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
How promise made of no effect?
If we able to earn this promise by keeping the law then it becomes our wages/salary.
In this case God becomes the debtor to pay our wages/salary once we keep the law.
In this case we do not need God, His grace, mercy we can earn by our efforts.
Application: Unless God bless us and give us opportunity then whatever efforts we put will go vain.
Ps 127 - 1 A Song of Ascents. Of Solomon. Unless the Lord builds the house, They labor in vain who build it; Unless the Lord guards the city, The watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is vain for you to rise up early, To sit up late, To eat the bread of sorrows; For so He gives His beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord, The fruit of the womb is a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior, So are the children of one's youth. 5 Happy is the man who has his quiver full of them; They shall not be ashamed, But shall speak with their enemies in the gate.
So, Abraham didn't earn the promise by keeping the law but just by having faith in God.
(David Guzik) Since all God’s dealings with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob happened before the giving of the Mosaic Law, we can’t say they were based on the law. Instead, they are based on God’s declaration of Abraham’s righteousness through faith.
(Newell) “Faith is the ground of God’s blessing. Abraham was a blessed man, indeed, but he became heir of the world on another principle entirely - simple faith.”
So, this promise was given to Abraham and to all who put their faith in God.
NLT: Romans 4:13 - It is clear, then, that God's promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was not based on obedience to God's law, but on the new relationship with God that comes by faith.
Why those who keep the law cannot obtain the promise "he would be the heir of the world"? or Why those who keep the law cannot inherit this world?
15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.What is transgression?
Transgression/Trespass means deliberately violating the law instead of putting efforts to keep it.
(David Guzik) Because “Transgression is the right word for overstepping a line, and this for breaking a clearly defined commandment.”.
Whereas sin is missing the mark or failed to keep the law/God's statue/standard even though you put efforts to keep the law.
For more details read Sin, Trespasses, Transgression article.
Why the law brings wrath?
(David Guzik) The law cannot bring us into the blessings of God’s promises. This is not because the law is bad, but because we are unable to keep it.
Our inability to keep the law (our transgression) means that it becomes essentially a vehicle of God’s wrath towards us, if we regard it as the principle by which we are justified and relate to God.
Gal 3:10-14 - 10 For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them." (Deuteronomy 27:26) 11 But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for "the just shall live by faith." 12 Yet the law is not of faith, but "the man who does them shall live by them." 13 Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, "Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree")(Deuteronomy 21:23), 14 that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
What it means "where there is no law there is no transgression"?
NLT: Romans 4:15 - But the law brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
Does Paul teaching lawlessness?
No.
Romans 5:13 - (For until the law sin was in the world, but sin is not imputed when there is no law.
There will be a day lawlessness will be in effect in this earth when Antichrist rule and reign during Great Tribulation for last 7 year period just before Jesus Christ 2nd coming.
2 Thes 2:7-12 - 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only He who now restrains will do so until He is taken out of the way. 8 And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord will consume with the breath of His mouth and destroy with the brightness of His coming. 9 The coming of the lawless one is according to the working of Satan, with all power, signs, and lying wonders, 10 and with all unrighteous deception among those who perish, because they did not receive the love of the truth, that they might be saved. 11 And for this reason God will send them strong delusion, that they should believe the lie, 12 that they all may be condemned who did not believe the truth but had pleasure in unrighteousness.
But Paul is not teaching lawlessness.
Why then Paul say, where there is no law there is no transgression?
(David Guzik) There is sin that is not the “crossing of the line” of the Law of Moses. The root of sin isn’t in breaking the law, but in breaking trust with God; with denying His loving, caring purpose in every command He gives.
Before Adam sinned he broke trust with God - therefore God’s plan of redemption is centered on a relationship of trusting love - faith - instead of law-keeping.
When we center our relationship with God on law-keeping instead of trusting love, we go against His whole plan.
Didn't God give this world to Adam and asked him to subdue it? Is it not belong to us already? Why then God promised us this again through Abraham?
Read Kingdom of this World Vs Kingdom of God topic to understand better by getting answers to questions such as
To Whom this kingdom of world belongs to now?
Is it not the kingdoms of this world now belongs to our Lord?
Is it not Jesus Christ now reign this world forever and ever?
To Whom God delivered this world?
When and Who delivered this world to Satan?
What is God's plan to redeem this Kingdom of this world from Satan?
When God started to redeem the Kingdom of this world from Satan?
What is our responsibility?
How to obtain the promise "he would be the heir of the world"?
16 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 17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;By God's grace and through our faith in God will obtain this promise or inherit this world.
All Abraham's descendants both circumcised and uncircumcised will inherit all Abraham's promises when they have faith in God.
Since Abraham is the father to all (both circumcised and uncircumcised) who have faith in God so they all will inherit all the Abraham's promises.
Gal 3:7-9 - 7 Therefore know that only those who are of faith are sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." 9 So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham.
(Warren Wiersbe) The key word here is "promise."
Abraham was justified by believing God's promise, not by obeying God's Law; for God's Law through Moses had not yet been given.
The promise to Abraham was given purely through God's grace. Abraham did not earn it or merit it.
The Law was not given to save men, but to show men that they need to be saved (Rom. 4:15).
Abraham is the father of all believers, both Jews and Gentiles (Rom. 4:16; Gal. 3:7, 29).
The fact that Abraham was justified by grace and not Law proves that salvation is for all men.
So today, God justifies the ungodly because they believe His gracious promise, not because they obey His Law.
Instead of the Jew complaining because Abraham was not saved by Law, he ought to rejoice that God's salvation is available to all men, and that Abraham has a spiritual family (all true believers) as well as a physical family (the nation of Israel). Paul saw this as a fulfillment of Genesis 17:5 "I have made thee a father of many nations."
How to fulfill the promise "he would be the heir of the world"? or How to inherit this world?
Read Did Abraham fulfill the promise by putting his efforts as a result of his faith? topic for more details.
Read How will God fulfill the promise that He gave to us? topic for more details.
Application:
Are you experiencing this promise?
Abraham's Faith demonstrated:
17 (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations") in the presence of Him whom he believed--God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be." 19 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. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness." 23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Observation:
Who has made Abraham the father of many nations?
17a (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations")In what basis did Abraham become the father of many nations? or How did Abraham become the father of many nations?
17b in the presence of Him whom he believed--God,
18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."What kind of God did Abraham believe in?
17c who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;How did Abraham demonstrate this saving faith (nature of faith) in his life?
19 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.
20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,
21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.What does such a faith do to Abraham?
22 And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."Is this imputed/accounted righteousness limited to Abraham alone?
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24a but also for us.What did God really want us to put our faith in?
24b It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Interpretation:
Who has made Abraham the father of many nations?
17a (as it is written, "I have made you a father of many nations")God has made Abraham the father of many nations.
Genesis 17:5 - 1 When Abram was ninety-nine years old, the Lord appeared to Abram and said to him, "I am Almighty God; walk before Me and be blameless. 2 And I will make My covenant between Me and you, and will multiply you exceedingly." 3 Then Abram fell on his face, and God talked with him, saying: 4 "As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations. 5 No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations. 6 I will make you exceedingly fruitful; and I will make nations of you, and kings shall come from you.
In what basis did Abraham become the father of many nations? or How did Abraham become the father of many nations?
17b in the presence of Him whom he believed--God,
18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."Abraham believed God.
What does "contrary to hope, in hope believed" mean?
This promise seems impossible for Abraham to hope for but because He trusted the LORD so, Abraham hoped for and believed that it will happen.
Heb 11:1 - Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.
NIV: Heb 11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.
NLT: Heb 11:1 - What is faith? It is the confident assurance that what we hope for is going to happen. It is the evidence of things we cannot yet see.
In other words – Faith is the guaranty of things hoped for, the convincing proof of things not seen.
NLT: Romans 4:18 - When God promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, Abraham believed him. God had also said, "Your descendants will be as numerous as the stars," even though such a promise seemed utterly impossible!
What did Abraham believe in?
First Abraham believed God
17b in the presence of Him whom he believed--God,
Then Abraham believed what God had said (promise).
18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be."
Abraham believed in God and became the father of many nations as God said "So shall your descendants be" in
Genesis 15:5 - 5 Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be." 6 And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
What kind of faith did Abraham have that accounts Abraham for righteousness?
Saving faith in the Bible is trusting God completely (100%). This is called effortless mustard seed like or child like faith. When God sees this mustard seed like or child like faith then God will amazed and say that we have Great faith and declare righteous (save/justify).
Read more details in the Faith topic.
Read more details in What did God really want us to put our faith in?
Abraham had this mustard seed like or child like saving faith. God was amazed in his great faith and declared him righteous or accounted him for righteousness (save/justify).
How did Abraham demonstrate this saving faith (nature of faith) in his life?
Faith not based on circumstance:
19 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.Why did God delay to fulfill His promise to Abraham?
(Warren Wiersbe) One reason why God delayed in sending Abraham and Sarah a son was to permit all their natural strength to decline and then disappear. It was unthinkable that a man ninety-nine years old could beget a child in the womb of his wife who was eighty-nine years old! From a reproductive point of view, both of them were dead.
Is Isaac's birth the same as Jesus birth?
No, but both are miraculous birth.
Jesus birth is immaculate conception but Isaac's birth is not immaculate conception. In other words Isaac's birth due to Abraham and Sarah's marital union but Jesus birth is not through marital union.
(David Guzik) Abraham’s example also helps us to understand the nature of faith. The conception of Abraham’s son Isaac was a miracle, but it was not an immaculate conception.
Only Jesus birth is virgin birth. Because of the power of the Holy Spirit Mary conceived before she get married to Joseph.
Is 7:14 - Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a Son, and shall call His name Immanuel.
Gen 3:15 - And I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, And you shall bruise His heel."
So, Jesus is sinless because He didn't inherit sin from human beings.
Hebrew 4:15 - For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrew 5:9 And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him,
Same way John the Baptist, Samuel's, ... births are miracle but they are through normal marital union of their parents.
Application: (Warren Wiersbe) The application to salvation is clear: God must wait until the sinner is "dead" and unable to help himself before He can release His saving power. As long as the lost sinner thinks he is strong enough to do anything to please God, he cannot be saved by grace. It was when Abraham admitted that he was "dead" that God's power went to work in his body. It-is when the lost sinner confesses that he is spiritually dead and unable to help himself that God can save him.
Faith not waver due to unbelief:
20a He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief,What does waver mean?
Waver means become unsteady, to feel or show doubt, not sure about things hoped for.
This causes worry and anxiousness about the matter that we concerned about..
What causes this waver?
Unbelief or lack of faith causes the waver.
What did God say about this waver?
Matt 6:31,34 - 31 Therefore do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?' 32 For after all these things the Gentiles seek. For your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. 33 But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. 34 Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about its own things. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.
Phil 4:6-7 - 6 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.
How will God helps us?
God helps us in our unbelief when we ask him:
Mark 9:24 - 20 Then they brought him to Him. And when he saw Him, immediately the spirit convulsed him, and he fell on the ground and wallowed, foaming at the mouth. 21 So He asked his father, "How long has this been happening to him?" And he said, "From childhood. 22 And often he has thrown him both into the fire and into the water to destroy him. But if You can do anything, have compassion on us and help us." 23 Jesus said to him, "If you can believe, all things are possible to him who believes." 24 Immediately the father of the child cried out and said with tears, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" 25 When Jesus saw that the people came running together, He rebuked the unclean spirit, saying to it, "Deaf and dumb spirit, I command you, come out of him and enter him no more!
NLT: Mark 9:24 - 22 The evil spirit often makes him fall into the fire or into water, trying to kill him. Have mercy on us and help us. Do something if you can." 23 "What do you mean, 'If I can'?" Jesus asked. "Anything is possible if a person believes." 24 The father instantly replied, "I do believe, but help me not to doubt!"
Holy Spirit helps us by keep on convicting us whenever believers in Christ goes to unbelief:
John 16:8-9 - 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
(Calvin) “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.”
Strengthened in Faith and Strengthened by Faith:
20b but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,What does strengthened in faith mean?
Does this mean that we initially start with 30% faith and eventually we grow/strengthened in faith to reach 100% faith?
No, it does not mean the we initially start with 30% faith eventually we grow/strengthened in faith to reach 100% faith.
During initial stage of our Christian walk with the Lord we may waver more often due to unbelief but later when we grow in faith then we should not waver often at the promise of God due to unbelief. If this is true then it means that you are growing in our faith or strengthening in our faith by the grace of our God.
When we grow in faith then we will not waver often at the promise of God through unbelief.
Abraham was not waver in his faith because he was strengthened in faith.
Romans 4:20 - He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God,
(Warren Wiersbe) But Abraham did not walk by sight; he walked by faith. What God promises, He performs. All we need do is believe. Abraham's initial faith in God as recorded in Genesis 15 did not diminish in the years that followed. In Genesis 17-18, Abraham was "strong in faith." It was this faith that gave him strength to beget a son in his old age.
How do we need to be strengthened in faith?
Deny our self and believe in God.
By staying closer to God by establishing relationship with Him
John 15:5 - I am the vine, you are the branches. He who abides in Me, and I in him, bears much fruit; for without Me you can do nothing.
By reading word of God (The Holy Bible) and speaking/communion with Him.
Joshua 1:8 - This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.
Psalm 119:105 - Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.
2 Peter 1:2-4 - 2 Grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord, 3 as His divine power has given to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by glory and virtue, 4 by which have been given to us exceedingly great and precious promises, that through these you may be partakers of the divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust.
Being filled with His Holy Spirit and walk by Spirit and walk by faith:
Eph 5:18 - 18 And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, 19 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, 20 giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, 21 submitting to one another in the fear of God.
Gal 5:16 - I say then: Walk in the Spirit, and you shall not fulfill the lust of the flesh.
2 Cor 5:7 - For we walk by faith, not by sight.
When we stay closer with God then God will walk us through trials, tribulation and through refining fire experience so that we may not waver more often. by this we will grow in the grace of our God in our faith or strengthening in our faith.
NLT: 1 Peter 1:6-7 - 6 So be truly glad! There is wonderful joy ahead, even though it is necessary for you to endure many trials for a while. 7 These trials are only to test your faith, to show that it is strong and pure. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold -- and your faith is far more precious to God than mere gold. So if your faith remains strong after being tried by fiery trials, it will bring you much praise and glory and honor on the day when Jesus Christ is revealed to the whole world.
(Spurgeon) “Dear brother, little faith will save thee if it be true faith, but there are many reasons why you should seek an increase of it.”
Ministers and preachers especially needed to be strengthened in faith. He sometimes shared his own struggles in this area from the pulpit, but wanted to make it clear that his struggles in faith should never be indulged: “Whenever, dear hearers, you catch any of us who are teachers doubting and fearing, do not pity us, but scold us. We have no right to be in Doubting Castle. Pray do not visit us there. Follow us as far as we follow Christ, but if we get into the horrible Slough of Despond, come and pull us out by the hair of our heads if necessary, but do not fall into it yourselves.”
Does Paul also mean Strengthened by faith?
Yes.
(David Guzik) 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.
What is strengthened by faith means?
Strengthened by faith means our mind, soul, spirit, body get renewed, refreshed, revived or energized.
How we need to be strengthened by faith?
When we grow in the faith by the grace of God then we will be strengthened by faith.
We strengthened by faith when we strengthened in faith.
Faith that fully convinced that God who gave the promise will perform it:
21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.Read How will God fulfill the promise that He gave to us? topic for more details.
Is your God too small?
No
How big our God is?
Romans 4:17b who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;
Read What kind of God did Abraham believe in? for more details.
(David Guzik) The God of Abraham was able to perform what He had promised, and Abraham was fully convinced of this.
Some people don’t come to Jesus - or go further with Him - because they are not fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. 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.
If you know how big our God is then you will go to Him
Matt 11:28 - 28 Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For My yoke is easy and My burden is light."
So Paul is confident in God than new believers in Christ:
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Did Abraham's faith produced fruits/works?
Yes, Abraham's faith produces fruits by obeying God as per His leading:
(David Guzik) Abraham’s faith did not mean that he did nothing and just waited for God to create a child in Sarah’s womb. 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 all with trust and reliance on God and His miraculous work.
(Spurgeon) “All true believers, like Abraham, obey. Obedience is faith in action. You are to walk in the steps of the faith of father Abraham. His faith did not sit still, it took steps; and you must take these steps also by obeying God because you believe him. That faith which has no works with it is a dead faith, and will justify no one.”
James 2:26 - For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.
Abraham obeyed God by taking his only begotten son to sacrifices:
Genesis 22:1 - Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, "Abraham!" And he said, "Here I am." 2 Then He said, "Take now your son, your only son Isaac, whom you love, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I shall tell you."
Gen 22:17,18 - 15 Then the Angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time out of heaven, 16 and said: "By Myself I have sworn, says the Lord, because you have done this thing, and have not withheld your son, your only son-- 17 blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies. 18 In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
Did Abraham fulfill the promise by putting his efforts as a result of his faith? or Does this mean that Abraham fulfilled the promise by putting his efforts?
No.
Abraham waited for the God promised baby and finally tried to fulfill God's promise through Sara's plan through Hagar.
Genesis 16:1-3 - 1 Now Sarai, Abram's wife, had borne him no children. And she had an Egyptian maidservant whose name was Hagar. 2 So Sarai said to Abram, "See now, the Lord has restrained me from bearing children. Please, go in to my maid; perhaps I shall obtain children by her." And Abram heeded the voice of Sarai. 3 Then Sarai, Abram's wife, took Hagar her maid, the Egyptian, and gave her to her husband Abram to be his wife, after Abram had dwelt ten years in the land of Canaan.
Is Sarai's statement "the Lord has restrained me from bearing children" is a true?
No. Read below section
Application: We some time go through time of impatient and then get frustrated or think that we misunderstood God's promise and try to assume something which is not from God.
Does God ever thought of bless Abraham with a child through 2nd marriage while Sara was alive?
No. God's plan of marriage is between one man and one woman.
When God says Abraham will have a child through his own body in Genesis 15:4 then He means it is through Sara because she is his wife.
Genesis 15:2-4 - 1 After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, "Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward." 2 But Abram said, "Lord God, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?" 3 Then Abram said, "Look, You have given me no offspring; indeed one born in my house is my heir!" 4 And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, saying, "This one shall not be your heir, but one who will come from your own body shall be your heir."
Did God acknowledge Sara's plan?
God didn't acknowledged Sara and Abraham's plan and He clearly said Sara will bear a son by this time next year and God has different plan for Ismael:
Genesis 17:15-21 - 15 Then God said to Abraham, "As for Sarai your wife, you shall not call her name Sarai (prince), but Sarah (princes) shall be her name. 16 And I will bless her and also give you a son by her; then I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of peoples shall be from her." 17 Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?" 18 And Abraham said to God, "Oh, that Ishmael might live before You!" 19 Then God said: "No, Sarah your wife shall bear you a son, and you shall call his name Isaac; I will establish My covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his descendants after him. 20 And as for Ishmael, I have heard you. Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly. He shall beget twelve princes, and I will make him a great nation. 21 But My covenant I will establish with Isaac, whom Sarah shall bear to you at this set time next year."
After this detailed revelation/prophesy given by God in Gen 17:15-21:
Abraham was more sure that God will perform His promise.
At the same time Abraham instead of trying to fulfill God given promise but he did his part as per the leading of God.
And God made everything beautiful or fulfills His promise in His own time.
Read How will God fulfill the promise that He gave to us? topic for more details.
How will God fulfill the promise that He gave to us?
God keep on reminding Abraham and Sara and blessed them with Isaac in His Time.
Genesis 18:9-14 - 9 Then they said to him, "Where is Sarah your wife?" So he said, "Here, in the tent." 10 And He said, "I will certainly return to you according to the time of life, and behold, Sarah your wife shall have a son." (Sarah was listening in the tent door which was behind him.) 11 Now Abraham and Sarah were old, well advanced in age; and Sarah had passed the age of childbearing. 12 Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, "After I have grown old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?" 13 And the Lord said to Abraham, "Why did Sarah laugh, saying, 'Shall I surely bear a child, since I am old?' 14 Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son." 15 But Sarah denied it, saying, "I did not laugh," for she was afraid. And He said, "No, but you did laugh!"
Genesis 20 - 1 And Abraham journeyed from there to the South, and dwelt between Kadesh and Shur, and stayed in Gerar. 2 Now Abraham said of Sarah his wife, "She is my sister." And Abimelech king of Gerar sent and took Sarah. 3 But God came to Abimelech in a dream by night, and said to him, "Indeed you are a dead man because of the woman whom you have taken, for she is a man's wife." 4 But Abimelech had not come near her; and he said, "Lord, will You slay a righteous nation also? 5 Did he not say to me, 'She is my sister'? And she, even she herself said, 'He is my brother.' In the integrity of my heart and innocence of my hands I have done this." 6 And God said to him in a dream, "Yes, I know that you did this in the integrity of your heart. For I also withheld you from sinning against Me; therefore I did not let you touch her. 7 Now therefore, restore the man's wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you and you shall live. But if you do not restore her, know that you shall surely die, you and all who are yours."... ... ... ... ... 17 So Abraham prayed to God; and God healed Abimelech, his wife, and his female servants. Then they bore children; 18 for the Lord had closed up all the wombs of the house of Abimelech because of Sarah, Abraham's wife.
Genesis 21:1-2 - And the Lord visited Sarah as He had said, and the Lord did for Sarah as He had spoken. 2 For Sarah conceived and bore Abraham a son in his old age, at the set time of which God had spoken to him. 3 And Abraham called the name of his son who was born to him--whom Sarah bore to him--Isaac.
God fulfilled this promise partially by blessing Isaac to Abraham and fulfilled His promise to Abraham by blessing Jesus. Through Jesus God made Abraham father of many nations.
To fulfill this promise God keep on reminding generation after generation:
Genesis 22:18 - In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice."
Genesis 26:4 - And I will make your descendants multiply as the stars of heaven; I will give to your descendants all these lands; and in your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed;
Genesis 28:14 - Also your descendants shall be as the dust of the earth; you shall spread abroad to the west and the east, to the north and the south; and in you and in your seed all the families of the earth shall be blessed.
Reminding about Seed to David
2 Samuel 7:12 - "When your (David) days are fulfilled and you rest with your fathers, I will set up your seed after you, who will come from your body, and I will establish his kingdom. 13 He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever.
Luke 2:25-35 -25 And behold, there was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon, and this man was just and devout, waiting for the Consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. 26 And it had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he had seen the Lord's Christ. 27 So he came by the Spirit into the temple. And when the parents brought in the Child Jesus, to do for Him according to the custom of the law, 28 he took Him up in his arms and blessed God and said: 29 "Lord, now You are letting Your servant depart in peace, According to Your word; 30 For my eyes have seen Your salvation 31 Which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, 32 A light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel." 33 And Joseph and His mother marveled at those things which were spoken of Him. 34 Then Simeon blessed them, and said to Mary His mother, "Behold, this Child is destined for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign which will be spoken against 35 (yes, a sword will pierce through your own soul also), that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed."
Luke 2:36-38 - 36 Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity; 37 and this woman was a widow of about eighty-four years, who did not depart from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day. 38 And coming in that instant she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.
God has revealed this to Paul and through him God is revealing this to us:
Col 1:26 - the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints.
Galatians 3:16 - Now to Abraham and his Seed were the promises made. He does not say, "And to seeds," as of many, but as of one, "And to your Seed," who is Christ.
Galatians 3:29 - And if you are Christ's, then you are Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.
2 Peter 3:9a - The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.
Phil 1:6 - being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ;
Application:
Faith is the key thing God uses to enter into the kingdom of God/heaven or justified/saved from the beginning (Adam) till Jesus 2nd coming:
Dr. Harry Ironside, for eighteen years pastor of the Moody Church in Chicago, told of visiting a Sunday School class while on vacation. The teacher asked, "How were people saved in Old Testament times?" After a pause, one man replied, "By keeping the Law."
"That's right," said the teacher.
But Dr. Ironside interrupted: "My Bible says that by the deeds of the Law shall no flesh be justified."
The teacher was a bit embarrassed, so he said, "Well, does somebody else have an idea?"
Another student replied, "They were saved by bringing sacrifices to God."
"Yes, that's right!" the teacher said, and tried to go on with the lesson.
But Dr. Ironside interrupted, "My Bible says that the blood of bulls and goats cannot take away sin."
By this time the unprepared teacher was sure the visitor knew more about the Bible than he did, so he said, "Well, you tell us how people were saved in the Old Testament!"
And Dr. Ironside explained that they were saved by faith—the same way people are saved today! Twenty-one times in Hebrews 11 you find the same words "by faith."
If you are a Jew, you are a child of Abraham physically; but are you a child of Abraham spiritually? Abraham is the father of all who believe on Jesus Christ and are justified by faith. If you are a Gentile, you can never be a natural descendant of Abraham; but you can be one of his spiritual descendants. Abraham "believed God and it was counted unto him for righteousness."
Abraham had this faith even though he didn't have all the resource we have now:
(Warren Wiersbe) All of these facts make Abraham's faith that much more wonderful. He did not have a Bible to read; he had only the simple promise of God. He was almost alone as a believer, surrounded by heathen unbelievers. He could not look back at a long record of faith; in fact, he was helping to write that record. Yet Abraham believed God. People today have a complete Bible to read and study. They have a church fellowship, and can look back at centuries of faith as recorded in church history and the Bible. Yet many refuse to believe!
We all need this faith:
Mark 11:25 - 23 For assuredly, I say to you, whoever says to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that those things he says will be done, he will have whatever he says. 24 Therefore I say to you, whatever things you ask when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you will have them.
1 John 5:14-15 - 14 Now this is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. 15 And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.
(Spurgeon) “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. We must not wonder and be astonished if we hear of a dozen or two conversions, but let the astonishment be that thousands are converted when they hear such divine truth, and when we ask the Holy Spirit to attend it with divine energy. God will bless us in proportion to our faith. It is the rule of his kingdom - ‘According to your faith so be it unto you.’ O God, give thy ministers more faith! Let us believe thee firmly!”
Do you have faith like Abraham?
Compare your faith with Abraham's faith.
What does such a faith do to Abraham?
22 And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness."Abraham's faith
declared him as righteous,
justified/saved him,
accounted to him for righteous,
imputed righteous to him,
made him to receive God's righteousness, or
made him to enter in to Kingdom of God/heaven
Is this imputed/accounted righteousness limited to Abraham alone?
23 Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24a but also for us.(David Guzik) It wasn’t only for Abraham’s benefit that God declared him righteous through faith; he is an example that we are invited to follow - it is also for us. Paul’s confidence is glorious: It shall be imputed to us who believe; this wasn’t just for Abraham, but for us also.
What did God really want us to put our faith in?
24b It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.God really want us to put our faith in Him
who delivered His one and only Son Jesus Christ to die on the Cross in our place for our sins and
who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead to justify us.
These two verses are the outline of the Gospel(Good News).
And these are one of the key verse in this epistle/letter to Romans.
These verses are the one of the main reason God did want Paul to write this epistle/letter to Romans.
List all key Gospel verses covered in this epistle/letter to Romans:
This epistle/letter to RomansAbout God's righteousness, sovereign power and Jesus Christ (Why Paul wrote this book?):
Romans 1:3-4 - 1 Paul, a bondservant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated to the gospel of God 2 which He promised before through His prophets in the Holy Scriptures, 3 concerning His Son Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born of the seed of David according to the flesh, 4 and declared to be the Son of God with power according to the Spirit of holiness, by the resurrection from the dead. 5 Through Him we have received grace and apostleship for obedience to the faith among all nations for His name,
Reveals God's Righteousness in the Gospel/Good News:
Romans 1:16-17 - 14 I am a debtor both to Greeks and to barbarians, both to wise and to unwise. 15 So, as much as is in me, I am ready to preach the gospel to you who are in Rome also. 16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, "The just shall live by faith."
Proves that all are guilty before God or no one could ever keep the law and declared righteous. So, we need help to obtain God's righteousness:
Romans 3:19b - 19 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, that every mouth may be stopped, and all the world may become guilty before God. 20 Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
Explains how God's Righteousness is revealed (How God's Righteousness is revealed?):
Romans 3:21 - But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
Explains how to receive God's Righteousness without keeping the law (How to receive God's Righteousness without keeping the law?):
Romans 3:22 - even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
NIV: Romans 3:22 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
Tells how God made His righteousness available to all without compromising His righteousness (How God made His righteousness available to all?):
Christ death is the the atonement/ultimate sacrifice (propitiation) that pays our penalty of sin:
Romans 3:25 - 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
Read Propitiation article for detail explanation.
Jesus Christ offered Himself as a sacrifice on our behalf and fulfilled all the requirements of the law once for all. So, Jesus do not have to die again.
Matt 5:17 - "Do not think that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill.
Romans 10:4 - For Christ is the end of the law for righteousness to everyone who believes.
Heb 10:11-12,14-18 - 11 And every priest stands ministering daily and offering repeatedly the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. 12 But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God, 13 from that time waiting till His enemies are made His footstool. 14 For by one offering He has perfected forever those who are being sanctified. 15 But the Holy Spirit also witnesses to us; for after He had said before, 16 "This is the covenant that I will make with them after those days, says the Lord: I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds I will write them," 17 then He adds, "Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more." 18 Now where there is remission of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.
Talks about God's sovereign power by resurrecting Jesus Christ:
Romans 4:24b-25 - 24b It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Is Jesus resurrection is as important as His death on the cross? or
Does Jesus resurrection equally important as His death on the cross?If Jesus death paid the penalty of sins to those who believes in God then....
Why we need to bother about His resurrection as a part of the gospel?
Let us go through this in detail...
Why Jesus resurrection is so important?
God acknowledges the cry of Jesus "It is finished" by resurrecting Jesus Christ from death. Jesus resurrection proves that God accepted His Son Jesus Christ death as a perfect sin offering for all humanity:
(Warren Wiersbe) The Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16) because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Romans 4:24 and Romans 10:9-10 parallel each other. Jesus Christ was "delivered up to die on account of our offenses, and was raised up because of our justification" (Rom. 4:25, literal translation). This means that the resurrection of Christ is the proof that God accepted His Son's sacrifice, and that now sinners can be justified without God violating His own Law or contradicting His own nature.
Jesus Christ resurrection justifies us:
We all know that we are saved, justified, receive God's Righteousness, imputed righteousness, accounted for righteousness or declared righteous by faith in God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead:
Romans 4:24b-25 - 24b It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
NIV Rom 3:22 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
2 Cor 5:19,21 - 17 Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new. 18 Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, 19 that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation. 20 Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ's behalf, be reconciled to God. 21 For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
How then Jesus Christ resurrection justifies us? or How God imputes/declares righteousness to those who put their faith in the almighty God?
Jesus Christ provides us God's Spirit and His Righteousness once He resurrected:
John 7:39 - 38 He who believes in Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water." 39 But this He spoke concerning the Spirit, whom those believing in Him would receive; for the Holy Spirit was not yet given, because Jesus was not yet glorified.
John 14:16-17 - 16 And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever-- 17 the Spirit of truth, whom the world cannot receive, because it neither sees Him nor knows Him; but you know Him, for He dwells with you and will be in you.
John 16:10 - 7 Nevertheless I tell you the truth. It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you. 8 And when He has come, He will convict the world of sin, and of righteousness, and of judgment: 9 of sin, because they do not believe in Me; 10 of righteousness, because I go to My Father and you see Me no more; 11 of judgment, because the ruler of this world is judged.
Acts 1:4-8 - 4 And being assembled together with them, He commanded them not to depart from Jerusalem, but to wait for the Promise of the Father, "which," He said, "you have heard from Me; 5 for John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now." 6 Therefore, when they had come together, they asked Him, saying, "Lord, will You at this time restore the kingdom to Israel?" 7 And He said to them, "It is not for you to know times or seasons which the Father has put in His own authority.8 But you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."
NIV: Romans 3:22 - This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference,
So, that Jesus Christ presented us to the almighty God as holy and blameless without a single fault:
Col 1:22 - 21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight--
NLT: Col 1:22 - yet now he has brought you back as his friends. He has done this through his death on the cross in his own human body. As a result, he has brought you into the very presence of God, and you are holy and blameless as you stand before him without a single fault.
Is 61:10 - I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, My soul shall be joyful in my God; For He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness, As a bridegroom decks himself with ornaments, And as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.
Zech 3:1-5 - 1 Then he showed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to oppose him. 2 And the Lord said to Satan, "The Lord rebuke you, Satan! The Lord who has chosen Jerusalem rebuke you! Is this not a brand plucked from the fire?" 3 Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and was standing before the Angel. 4 Then He answered and spoke to those who stood before Him, saying, "Take away the filthy garments from him." And to him He said, "See, I have removed your iniquity from you, and I will clothe you with rich robes." 5 And I said, "Let them put a clean turban on his head." So they put a clean turban on his head, and they put the clothes on him. And the Angel of the Lord stood by.
That is how Jesus resurrection justifies us.
That is why Jesus resurrection justifies us.
Jesus Christ resurrection gives birth to the Christianity. There is no Christianity if Jesus didn't resurrect from his death:
1 Cor 15:14,17 - 14 And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty. 15 Yes, and we are found false witnesses of God, because we have testified of God that He raised up Christ, whom He did not raise up--if in fact the dead do not rise. 16 For if the dead do not rise, then Christ is not risen. 17 And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
Jesus Christ is the first one to resurrect from dead to live forever:
1 Cor 15:20-25 - 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
Col 1:18 - And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.
Rev 1:5 - 4 John, to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace to you and peace from Him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven Spirits who are before His throne, 5 and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler over the kings of the earth. To Him who loved us and washed us from our sins in His own blood, 6 and has made us kings and priests to His God and Father, to Him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.
God fulfilled Jesus preaching about His death and resurrection by resurrecting Him from the death and proved that He is true and sovereign God:
Jesus keep on preaching about His death and resurrection while He was in the earth.
John 2:18-22 - 18 So the Jews answered and said to Him, "What sign do You show to us, since You do these things?" 19 Jesus answered and said to them, "Destroy this temple, and in three days I will raise it up." 20 Then the Jews said, "It has taken forty-six years to build this temple, and will You raise it up in three days?" 21 But He was speaking of the temple of His body. 22 Therefore, when He had risen from the dead, His disciples remembered that He had said this to them; and they believed the Scripture and the word which Jesus had said.
God is sovereign and what Jesus has demonstrated in this earth and on the cross are the truth from the true God:
Jesus Christ resurrection takes away the fear of death from the believers and allows them to live forever and ever in heaven:
2 Cor 15:53-57 - 53 For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. 54 So when this corruptible has put on incorruption, and this mortal has put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written: "Death is swallowed up in victory." 55 "O Death, where is your sting? O Hades, where is your victory?" 56 The sting of death is sin, and the strength of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. 58 Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.
2 Cor 5:8 - We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Romans 6:22-23- 22 But now having been set free from sin, and having become slaves of God, you have your fruit to holiness, and the end, everlasting life. 23 For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Jesus resurrection provision the believers the new abundant resurrected life here in this earth:
2 Cor 5:17 - Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.
Romans 8:11 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
Romans 6:3-10 - 3 Or do you not know that as many of us as were baptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death? 4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. 5 For if we have been united together in the likeness of His death, certainly we also shall be in the likeness of His resurrection, 6 knowing this, that our old man was crucified with Him, that the body of sin might be done away with, that we should no longer be slaves of sin. 7 For he who has died has been freed from sin. 8 Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him, 9 knowing that Christ, having been raised from the dead, dies no more. Death no longer has dominion over Him. 10 For the death that He died, He died to sin once for all; but the life that He lives, He lives to God.
For this reason Paul preaches gospel with emphasizing in Jesus death and resurrection. We can see this in Paul's letters:
2 Cor 15:3-4 - 1 Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand, 2 by which also you are saved, if you hold fast that word which I preached to you--unless you believed in vain. 3 For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, 4 and that He was buried, and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, 5 and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve.
That is why Paul wants every believer in Christ to confess:
Romans 10:9-10 - 9 that if you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. 10 For with the heart one believes unto righteousness, and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation.
(Warren Wiersbe) The Gospel is "the power of God unto salvation" (Rom. 1:16) because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Romans 4:24 and Romans 10:9-10 parallel each other. Jesus Christ was "delivered up to die on account of our offenses, and was raised up because of our justification" (Rom. 4:25, literal translation).
That is why we need to believe in God who sacrificed His only son Jesus Christ on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins and justified us by resurrecting Him.
(Poole) “Christ did meritoriously work our justification and salvation by his death and passion, but the efficacy and perfection thereof with respect to us depend on his resurrection . . . This one verse is an abridgement of the whole gospel.”
(Warren Wiersbe) The key, of course, is "if we believe" (Rom. 4:24). There are over sixty references to faith or unbelief in Romans. God's saving power is experienced by those who believe in Christ (Rom. 1:16). His righteousness is given to those who believe (Rom. 3:22). We are justified by faith (Rom. 5:1). The object of our faith is Jesus Christ who died for us and rose again.
(David Guzik) When we talk about faith and saving faith in Jesus, it is important to emphasize that we mean believing that His work on the cross (delivered up because of our offenses) and triumph over sin and death (raised because of our justification) is what saves us.
Jesus died because of our offenses, but was raised up 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, proving that it was in fact a perfect sacrifice made by One who remained perfect, even though bearing the sin of the world.
(Wuest) Delivered up because of our offenses: The ancient Greek word translated delivered (paradidomi) was used of casting people into prison or delivering them to justice. “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.”
(Lenski) “Jesus’ resurrection always includes his sacrificial death but it brings our the all-sufficiency of his death. 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.”
What kind of faith does God never acknowledge?
God never acknowledges the faith in any other thing other than believing in God who sacrificed His only son Jesus Christ on the cross to pay the penalty of our sins and justified us by resurrecting Him.
Gal 1:9 - As we have said before, so now I say again, if anyone preaches any other gospel to you than what you have received, let him be accursed.
(David Guzik) There are many false-faiths that can never save, and only faith in what Jesus accomplished on the cross and through empty tomb can save us.
Faith in the historical events of the life of Jesus will not save
Faith in the beauty of Jesus’ life will not save
Faith in the accuracy or goodness of Jesus’ teaching will not save
Faith in the deity of Jesus, and in His Lordship will not save
Faith in God's promises alone but not have faith in Almighty God.
Faith in God's Blessing alone but not have faith in Almighty God
Faith in you or Faith in your Faith.
Faith in positive thinking but not have faith in Almighty God.
What kind of God did Abraham believe in?
17b who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;What does "gives life to the dead" mean?
(Warren Wiersbe) Paul saw the rejuvenation of Abraham's body as a picture of resurrection from the dead; and then he related it to the resurrection of Christ.
(David Guzik) 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.
(John Courson) God “quickens” or “raises” the dead. Was Paul speaking of Abraham’s body reproductively, or was he referring to Abraham’s belief that God would raise his son Isaac, whom he was willing to sacrifice at Mount Moriah? I don’t know. I only know Abraham was a man of faith—whether concerning Isaac’s birth, Isaac’s resurrection, or both.
What attribute of God this "gives life to the dead" refers to?
This refers to Omnipotent God
All powerful, Almighty, Sovereign
Is 48:13 - Indeed My hand has laid the foundation of the earth, And My right hand has stretched out the heavens; When I call to them, They stand up together.
Whom are all God gives life from the dead? or What are all the ways God gives life to the dead?
God resurrected Jesus first:
Romans 4:24b-25 - 24b It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.
Jesus is the first one to resurrect from the dead to live forever.
1 Cor 15:20-25 - 20 But now Christ is risen from the dead, and has become the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21 For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead. 22 For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive. 23 But each one in his own order: Christ the firstfruits, afterward those who are Christ's at His coming. 24 Then comes the end, when He delivers the kingdom to God the Father, when He puts an end to all rule and all authority and power. 25 For He must reign till He has put all enemies under His feet. 26 The last enemy that will be destroyed is death.
God rejuvenated Abraham's body and gave life to Sarah's dead womb:
Romans 4:19 - 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.
God gave life to dry bones:
Ezekiel 37:1-10 - 1 The hand of the Lord came upon me and brought me out in the Spirit of the Lord, and set me down in the midst of the valley; and it was full of bones. 2 Then He caused me to pass by them all around, and behold, there were very many in the open valley; and indeed they were very dry. 3 And He said to me, "Son of man, can these bones live?" So I answered, "O Lord God, You know." 4 Again He said to me, "Prophesy to these bones, and say to them, 'O dry bones, hear the word of the Lord! 5 Thus says the Lord God to these bones: "Surely I will cause breath to enter into you, and you shall live. 6 I will put sinews on you and bring flesh upon you, cover you with skin and put breath in you; and you shall live. Then you shall know that I am the Lord." ' " 7 So I prophesied as I was commanded; and as I prophesied, there was a noise, and suddenly a rattling; and the bones came together, bone to bone. 8 Indeed, as I looked, the sinews and the flesh came upon them, and the skin covered them over; but there was no breath in them. 9 Also He said to me, "Prophesy to the breath, prophesy, son of man, and say to the breath, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Come from the four winds, O breath, and breathe on these slain, that they may live." ' " 10 So I prophesied as He commanded me, and breath came into them, and they lived, and stood upon their feet, an exceedingly great army.
Who is this dry bones?
God is interpreting this prophecy:Ezekiel 37:11-14 - 11 Then He said to me, "Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel. They indeed say, 'Our bones are dry, our hope is lost, and we ourselves are cut off!' 12 Therefore prophesy and say to them, 'Thus says the Lord God: "Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves, and bring you into the land of Israel. 13 Then you shall know that I am the Lord, when I have opened your graves, O My people, and brought you up from your graves. 14 I will put My Spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land. Then you shall know that I, the Lord, have spoken it and performed it," says the Lord.' "
As God prophesized God fulfilled partly by giving birth to Israel in one day on 1948 May 14th
Is 66:8 - Who has heard such a thing? Who has seen such things? Shall the earth be made to give birth in one day? Or shall a nation be born at once? For as soon as Zion was in labor, She gave birth to her children.
Gather Israelites from all four corners of the earth.
Isaiah 11:12 - He will set up a banner for the nations, And will assemble the outcasts of Israel, And gather together the dispersed of Judah From the four corners of the earth.
All Israel will be saved.
Romans 11:26 - And so all Israel will be saved, as it is written: "The Deliverer will come out of Zion, And He will turn away ungodliness from Jacob;
Remaining part of the prophecy will be fulfilled after Jesus 2nd coming Revelation 12; 19; 20
Eze 43:5-7 - 5 The Spirit lifted me up and brought me into the inner court; and behold, the glory of the Lord filled the temple. 6 Then I heard Him speaking to me from the temple, while a man stood beside me. 7 And He said to me, "Son of man, this is the place of My throne and the place of the soles of My feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel forever. No more shall the house of Israel defile My holy name, they nor their kings, by their harlotry or with the carcasses of their kings on their high places.
God gives new life to those who are dead in trespasses and sins.
Eph 2:1 - 1 And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, 2 in which you once walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit who now works in the sons of disobedience
2 Cor 4:6 - For it is the God who commanded light to shine out of darkness, who has shone in our hearts to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.
Renew our dry life to abundant life:
Titus 3:5 - 4 But when the kindness and the love of God our Savior toward man appeared, 5 not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to His mercy He saved us, through the washing of regeneration and renewing of the Holy Spirit, 6 whom He poured out on us abundantly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7 that having been justified by His grace we should become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.
Romans 5:5 - Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
2 Cor 4:16 - Therefore we do not lose heart. Even though our outward man is perishing, yet the inward man is being renewed day by day.
Romans 8:11 - But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
2 Cor 3:17 - 16 Nevertheless when one turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away. 17 Now the Lord is the Spirit; and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. 18 But we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from glory to glory, just as by the Spirit of the Lord.
God will bring dead relationship to life:
Ps 23:5 - You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; My cup runs over.
Prov 16:7 - When a man's ways please the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.
Rev 3:9 - Indeed I will make those of the synagogue of Satan, who say they are Jews and are not, but lie--indeed I will make them come and worship before your feet, and to know that I have loved you.
Romans 16:20 - And the God of peace will crush Satan under your feet shortly. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.
What does "calls those things which do not exist as though they did" mean?
God called Abraham father of many nations before the birth of his son Isaac and through his seed Jesus Christ:
(John Courson) God called Abraham a father even before the birth of Isaac because, from His perspective, Abraham was already a father. Read Ecclesiastes 3:15 for a glimpse into the great mystery of God calling things that are not yet as though they already were. The implications are fabulous.
That is why Abraham fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform
Romans 4:21 - and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.
What attribute of God this "calls those things which do not exist as though they did" refers to?
This refers to Omniscient God
All knowing, foreknew everything, know everything beforehand.
God foreknew everything:
Rev 1:8 - 8 "I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End," says the Lord, "who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty."
Deut 4:35 - To you it was shown, that you might know that the Lord Himself is God; there is none other besides Him.
Romans 16:27 - to God, alone wise, be glory through Jesus Christ forever. Amen.
Is 55:8-11 - 8 "For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways," says the Lord. 9 "For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts than your thoughts. 10 "For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven, And do not return there, But water the earth, And make it bring forth and bud, That it may give seed to the sower And bread to the eater, 11 So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth; It shall not return to Me void, But it shall accomplish what I please, And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Is 34:16 - "Search from the book of the Lord, and read: Not one of these shall fail; Not one shall lack her mate. For My mouth has commanded it, and His Spirit has gathered them.
Num 23:19 - "God is not a man, that He should lie, Nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?
Dan 2:21 - And He changes the times and the seasons; He removes kings and raises up kings; He gives wisdom to the wise And knowledge to those who have understanding.
Amos 3:7 - Surely the Lord God does nothing, Unless He reveals His secret to His servants the prophets.
NLT: Amos 3:7 - Indeed, the Sovereign LORD never does anything until he reveals his plans to his servants the prophets.
Jeremiah 1: 5 - "Before I formed you in the womb I knew you; Before you were born I sanctified you; I ordained you a prophet to the nations."
1 Peter 1:2 - 1 Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To the pilgrims of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia, 2 elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace be multiplied.
Romans 8:29-30 - 29 For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brethren. 30 Moreover whom He predestined, these He also called; whom He called, these He also justified; and whom He justified, these He also glorified.
(John Courson) Romans 8:29, 30 tells us that, on the basis of His foreknowledge, God predestined those who would want to know Him. And because they’re predestined, they’re called by Him. And when they respond to His call, they’re justified—declared righteous—and they’re glorified. The implication is staggering. God views us as already glorified. What does this do? It frees me incredibly, knowing the Father sees me not in my cruddy humanity, but in my glorified state. I see myself flailing, faltering, and failing. But the Father sees me as already glorified.
(John Courson) He sees our whole life—past, present, future. He sees the whole thing in totality. Thus, He views us as already glorified, as already in the kingdom of heaven. Consequently, we have beautiful freedom today. We can just enjoy the Lord because He has said we are already glorified. We’re not a disappointment or an embarrassment to Him. We’re already perfect in Him.
(David Guzik) God’s life-giving power is demonstrated in the manner in which He can give life to the dead and call those things which do not exist (such as our righteousness) as though they did (by counting us righteous).
(Smith) “I’m greatly comforted when God speaks about me as righteous, justified, glorified, holy, pure, and saintly. God can talk about such things before they exist, because He knows they will exist.”
Summary:
(David Guzik) In this chapter, Paul has clearly demonstrated that in no way does the Old Testament contradict the gospel of salvation by grace through faith. Instead it is in fulfillment of the Old Testament, and Abraham, justified through faith, is our pattern.