Justified By Faith

Alfred and his note for the teacher.

One Dollar Bill

Twenty Dollar Bill

One Hundred Dollar Bill

1. Trust Like Abraham

Romans 4:1–8 NASB95

What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, but as what is due. But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, And whose sins have been covered. “Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account.”

Let’s examine together a transformative truth found within the pages of Romans, where Paul, with eloquence and fervor, draws upon the story of Abraham—a tale not just of ancient times but a narrative that resonates with the timeless melody of faith. In Romans 4:3, we find ourselves face to face with a declaration that has echoed through the ages, “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

John Wesley said of this verse:

Romans CHAPTER 4

And it was imputed to him for righteousness-God accepted him as if he had been altogether righteous.

This isn’t merely about ancient history; it’s about a principle as relevant and powerful today as it was then. Abraham, despite the impossibility of his situation, placed his unwavering trust in God’s promise. His faith wasn’t grounded in his ability to perform or conform but was anchored in the steadfast reliability of God’s word.

Proverbs 3:5

Psalm 56:3

Psalm 37:5

Jeremiah 17:7

Trust Jesus, and you are saved. Trust self, and you are lost.

Charles Spurgeon

God constantly encourages us to trust Him in the dark.

A. W. Tozer

2. Keep Faith in the face of Impossibility

Romans 4:9–15 NASB95

Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, “Faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.” How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation.

Paul emphasizes that justification by faith is for both Jews and Gentiles.

Abraham received righteousness making him the father of all who believe, not just those who adhere to the law.

This indicates that faith, transcending cultural and ritual boundaries, unites us in Christ.

Paul means faith is what unites us with Christ and all that God is for us in Him. And when God sees us united to Christ—sees us in Christ—He sees the righteousness of Christ as our righteousness.

John Piper

Imagine a potluck dinner with people from around the globe. Each person brings a dish that reflects their culture: spicy curry, sweet baklava, hearty pasta. Yet, as we gather around the table, we forget our differences and come together to enjoy a feast. This is what faith in Christ does—it invites people from every corner of the earth to unite under one God, transcending cultural boundaries to share in the love and grace found in Him. Just as we enjoy each dish, we can relish the richness of our faith lives together!

A profound declaration stands out here, casting a beam of light on the essence of faith. “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” Picture Abraham, advanced in years, yet holding onto a promise that defied the very nature of ageing and barrenness. The audacity of faith he displayed is more than an ancient tale; it’s a beacon of hope for us today. Consider facing a mountain of impossibilities, perhaps you’re on the brink of giving up on finding a job, your resume lost in a sea of applicants, or you’re grappling with a health diagnosis that seems like a death sentence. Herein lies the challenge and the beauty of faith — to cling to God’s promises when everything else screams it’s futile. Abraham’s journey whispers to us that what seems insurmountable is merely a stage for faith to perform its greatest act, trusting in God’s faithfulness despite seeing no physical evidence of His work in our immediate circumstances. Delving further into Romans, we encounter these words, “He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.”

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase." - Martin Luther King Jr.

3. Remember it is Faith not Performance

Romans 4:16–17 NASB95

For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, 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, (as it is written, “A father of many nations have I made you”) in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

The story of John Newton, author of the hymn 'Amazing Grace,' illustrates the truth of salvation by faith alone. Once a slave trader, he experienced a profound conversion during a storm at sea. Faced with death, he cried out to God for mercy. Despite his past, Newton found grace and forgiveness, becoming a minister. His life reminds us that regardless of our past, faith in Christ alone can redeem us and transform us into vessels of His love and purpose.

In his book I

writes that the church's integrity problem is in the misconception "that we can add Christ to our lives but not subtract sin. It is a change in belief without a change in behavior." He goes on to say "It is revival without reformation without repentance." C. Swindoll John The Baptizer Bible Study Guide p. 16.