Romans 3 - 4

The Faith Of Abraham

Paul continues his lesson to the Romans on faith and the law.  It is evident that there were Jewish believers who somehow felt that their Jewish heritage entitled them to a special standing before God as Christians.  Paul wisely and deftly handles this question at the beginning of chapter 3 explaining that while it is beneficial to be a Jewish Christian and to be circumcised, the benefit is not indicative of "status."  We are all sinners before God, both Jew and Gentile.  The benefit of being Jewish is the revelation of God was first entrusted to the Jews (3:2).  Thus, the concepts of God and faith and worship were already present in the Jewish believer.

However, sin was also present.  Paul deals with another misunderstanding as the chapter continues.  Some had the idea that by being sinners they served as a contrast to highlight the righteousness of God and His salvation.  Paul uniformly and unapologetically states that this is not true. Sin does not serve a "righteous purpose." (v.5).  To continue in sin is to bring on death and destruction.  A believer does not work their way out of sin, instead they accept the sacrifice of Jesus for their sin and seek the indwelling of the Holy Spirit in their life to overcome sin.  The reflection of Jesus Christ in a believers life does serve a righteous purpose!

We are all guilty before God. The Law cannot save us, it could only put of the destruction of God, until the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ was made.  Once Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the Law, then faith in happy secures our salvation.  The salvation Christ offers is free, not earned or merited by anything we do. "So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law." (3:28).

Chapter four is a beautiful depiction of Abraham as the father of faith for all believers - Jew and Gentile.  He believed God and was circumcised - setting the example for the Jews.  His faith was accepted by God before his circumcision - setting the example for the Gentiles.  Thus, his faith is imputed to all believers through the sacrifice at Calvary.

May God bless you and bless the reading of His Word.