A Study of Romans (13)

Purpose

There is a harmony of grace and faith, in v. 16 the word “it” is referencing back to the promise shared in v. 13 where Paul shared yet again the promise by God to make Abraham the father of all nations;

As Paul has made so clear a point thus far peoples entering into this spiritual lineage comes through faith not observance of the law;

Paul is wanting us to look back to the points he has already made thus far, on commentator thinks part of v. 16 could be written as this:

The Book of Romans Grace and the Promise (Verse 16a)

“What I have said proves that inheriting the promise God gave Abraham is by faith, in order that this might all be accomplished by God’s grace.”

Therefore faith was the thread of Abraham’s righteousness which still holds true to this day;

Faith was Abraham's part and it is still our part today and grace is God’s part without obligation or debt to us (v. 4);

Therefore there is a harmony of grace and promise, Paul wants us to have clarity with way that the words - faith, grace and promise - work as one accord;

The Book of Romans Grace and the Promise (Verse 16a)

Paul means that the very idea of God’s doing something for man by promise will of necessity mean that the promise is by grace (not obligation) and thus an object of faith (not works).

The center of the promise is developed by these factors faith (man) and grace (God);

If the law was the the central factor failure would ensue why because of the difficulty of the keeping the law;

Yet because of grace (God) the foundation is secure to rest our faith on.

Provision

Paul wants to clear two important points for us to grasp;

“The existence of the ‘seed’” - this guaranteed through grace and available to all;

God has made His grace available to all who want to be included;

The Book of Romans Grace and the Provision (Verses 16b, 17a)

No man can keep the Law, and so God’s promise to make Abraham father of a great spiritual people from all nations would be absolutely empty if men were to participate in that promised seed by works.

“The inclusiveness of the seed” - Paul wants to make clear that this “inclusiveness” was for both groups in the first audience - Jews and Gentile;

The Book of Romans Grace and the Provision (Verses 16b, 17a)

But both they—the Gentiles—and those who think their possession of the Law counts—the Jews—are included in Abraham’s spiritual seed by faith and grace and promise.

Power

The Book of Romans Grace and the Power (Verse 17b)

The foundation for the grace of God (and the promise and faith that go with it) rests on the great power of God.

Abraham did not place his faith in an idol or false god, he placed his faith in the God (Yahweh) who has the power to back up any gracious promise within His privy;

Could you imagine if salvation was dependent on man’s abilities (works) and the power of God was not involved;

Yet, praise God, He is the only one that has the power of salvation and promise;

“Gives life to the dead” most likely is referring to Abraham having Issac long after physically being considered able;

But Abraham believed, that doesn’t he did not try to help God, it means he had faith in God to deliver His promise;

“Who calls things that do not exist” refers to God’s ability see beyond us, well into the future, and make His promise fact;

“Calls” shows that God, through word, can make things happen - it is a presentation of His omnipotence (all-power);

The Book of Romans Grace and the Power (Verse 17b)

This aspect of God’s omnipotence (all-power) reminds us that the very existence of the future depends on God. His promises about the future are absolutely dependable!

Our future is God’s fact and lays firmly in His hands.