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Romans 4:13–17
Therefore it is faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed (Rom. 4:16a).
Another possible Jewish objection to Paul’s exposition of the Gospel concerns the law of God. Again, a faulty understanding is at work here. The Jews who heard Paul proclaim the Gospel across Asia Minor and southern Europe likely brought up the law, challenging him to explain its purpose if not to bring people to God.
Paul could answer this objection much as he did the question about circumcision that we considered in yesterday’s study. He responded to that objection by showing that Abraham was counted as righteous long before he was circumcised. In the case of the law, the temporal argument is even stronger, for the law was given centuries after Abraham was justified. Paul actually uses this argument in Galatians 3:17. Here in Romans, however, Paul argues for justification by faith on the basis of the promises made to Abraham, promises that were to come to him because of his being made right with God by faith, not by obedience to the law of God. Think about it, Paul says. If obedience to the law can make a person righteous and therefore an heir of the promises to Abraham, then faith is irrelevant. But Scripture says faith is the means by which Abraham was saved! Furthermore, if the promises of God must be earned by obedience to the law, the promises are worthless, for no one will be able to inherit them. Why? “Because the law brings about wrath.” In other words, the inevitable result of trying to achieve righteousness by observing the law is divine wrath, for no one can measure up. Paul hastens to add that “where there is no law there is no transgression,” a curious statement that, in this context, probably means that the law shows us what transgressors we really are, driving us to approach God by faith.
Salvation, then, is not something that can be earned by our moral conduct. It is a gift of God’s grace, and therefore must be by faith. Dr. James M. Boice notes that “faith and grace belong together by their very natures, just like works and law belong together.” Because justification is by grace through faith in Christ, the promises are sure, not contingent on complete obedience to the law. Therefore, the great promises of God will come to all of Abraham’s spiritual offspring, all those who believe God as he did, whether they be Jews (who had the law) or Gentiles.
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
Paul says that God has promised Abraham and his descendants that he/they will be the “heir of the world.” If you are one of Abraham’s spiritual descendants, this promise is for you. Have you ever reflected on what this promise means? Read the verses below and meditate on the great things that God plans to lavish on His own.
For Further Study
- Matthew 5:5
- Romans 8:32
- 1 Corinthians 2:9
- 1 Corinthians 15:51–54
- Revelation 7:15–17