Romans 4:1-22Wow, I think I am really getting a picture of what Paul was really dealing with...with these Jewish Christians. After studying Galatians, Ephesians, Colossians & Philippians, Paul really has to correct some very strong doctrine issues. After pondering it some more, I have realized that Jesus had to do some course correction with the religious leaders during His time here on earth as well. They really had it in their heads that the only way to receive righteousness is through works.
As we have been studying, Paul and Jesus clearly tell us that this in not so. Faith is what saves us...faith alone. Our prideful humanity somehow thinks that we have the ability to do something, to control something, to be able to force something. Salvation is a free gift and it only comes through Faith.
Paul is a smart guy. He uses the patriarch of the Jewish faith to make his argument, Abraham. (I love the stories of Abraham and his great faith! So much of his relationship with God also foreshadows Jesus the Messiah) He doesn't pull any punches....
3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
& 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
& 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
Paul knew that the he needed a strong argument to prove what God had intended all along. The Jews had missed the point. They thought that their act of circumcision justified them....so far from the truth.
11 And he received circumcision as a sign, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised.
God saves us because He loves us and all it takes is faith, it is very simple yet we make it so hard. I love the last part of verse 5
their faith is credited as righteousness
There is nothing we can do, so that no one can boast and think of themselves better than they are not, it is only through a powerful God who can make all things right.
I love, love, love how Paul uses the Old Testament to make his case and this scripture from King David is so beautiful....
7 “Blessed are those
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
whose transgressions are forgiven,
whose sins are covered.
8 Blessed is the one
whose sin the Lord will never count against them.”
Thank you Lord that there is nothing I can do to receive justification; because I could never in a million years do enough. I will give thanks that all I have to do is have faith and YOU make all things new. There are no words that express my deep gratitude for my sins are forgiven, my sins are covered and that they will never be counted against me; because of the precious blood of Jesus that was shed for me. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you sweet Lord Jesus!
I know! digging into these books really does give a clearer understanding of Paul's message and hope in teaching the churches and leaders!
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