Romans 4
-Paul goes into the faithful walk of Abraham in his argument
that it is faith that justifies a person by the work of Jesus Christ the Savior
(Romans 4:13, 16, 20-22). He not only applies this message to the great
patriarch, but to all those who have faith (Romans 4:16, 23-25). This is the
hope of the promise of God and extends to us by His grace, not obedience to the
Law on our part (again because this proves to be impossible with our sin
nature). He also uses a quote from Psalms 32:1-2 to show the nature of God to
forgive transgressions and cover the depravity of man by His mercy. This is the
great theological passage that woke up Martin Luther, who triggered the
reformation, when he realized what the gospel was really all about compared to
the false teaching the Romans Catholic (Universal) Church had been propagating
in the early 1500’s.
-This gift of salvation through faith is clearly opened up,
not only to the circumcised Jews, but the uncircumcised Gentiles as well. One
needs to remember that Abraham did not even yet have the Law of Moses when his
righteousness was counted to him by his faith (even though he was given circumcision
as a sign). Faith in the promise is what it is all about. God gives the Law to
point out sin and transgression many years later. The Law restrains evil, but
it can never impute righteousness. This is the main idea to what Paul through
the Holy Spirit is communicating.
-Lastly today, notice the importance of the resurrection in
the belief system leading to righteousness (Romans 4:24). Our faith that God
raised His Son Jesus Christ from the dead is an essential ingredient in the
salvific message (Romans 10:9-10). This is where the rubber meets the road so
to speak.
-*Application* What do you actually believe when it comes to
the Person Jesus Christ and the work that He did for you personally? This is
the pivotal question that each and every individual must ask. This is the
question that has eternal implications as we learn from reading, studying, and
understanding the Holy Scriptures and God’s plan for our salvation. Believe and
receive by faith!
Verse to Memorize-
Romans 4:3
No comments:
Post a Comment