Abraham: Saved by Grace
Notes
Transcript
Paul has made a big deal out of letting people know that salvation is offered to both the Jews and the Gentiles. He argues that they are all in the same condition before God. Both Jews and Gentiles are sinners in need of a Savior. While the law gives the Jews an advantage, the Gentiles are convicted of their sins by the law in their hearts.
1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
I. Abraham was saved by grace, not works (Romans 4:1-5)
There is often a misconception that Old Testament saints got to Heaven by keeping the law and offering sacrifices. This simply is not true. They were saved just like we are; by grace through faith. If salvation could come through keeping the law, which included offering sacrifices, then there was no need for Jesus to come and die on the cross.
Paul wrote to the Galatians:
21 I do not frustrate the grace of God: for if righteousness come by the law, then Christ is dead in vain.
Verse 3 tells us that the scriptures record that Abraham believed God and it was counted to him for righteousness.
Let’s look at that passage.
1 After these things the word of the Lord came unto Abram in a vision, saying, Fear not, Abram: I am thy shield, and thy exceeding great reward. 2 And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? 3 And Abram said, Behold, to me thou hast given no seed: and, lo, one born in my house is mine heir. 4 And, behold, the word of the Lord came unto him, saying, This shall not be thine heir; but he that shall come forth out of thine own bowels shall be thine heir. 5 And he brought him forth abroad, and said, Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and he said unto him, So shall thy seed be. 6 And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
Abraham believed God - Faith
Counted to him for Righteousness - Righteousness as opposed to sin. His faith was counted as the righteousness of Christ.
II. David wrote of Salvation by Grace (Romans 4:6-8)
6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. 8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.
Paul goes on to talk about David’s confession of Salvation by grace. This is a quote from Psalm 32:1-2.
1 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
2 Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity,
And in whose spirit there is no guile.
The forgiveness of sins was the work of God; not David. When God does the work, David said we are blessed. Since God is both Plaintiff and Judge, He is the one who brings the accusation against us and lays it to our charge. When he forgives us, He is the one who forgives, covers, and imputes not. At that time, our spirit is found to be without guile or deceit.
III. Abraham was saved before he kept the law (Romans 4:9-12)
9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: 12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.
The Jews made a big deal out of being of the circumcision. That is, they were the people of the covenant with God. The were God’s chosen people. However, Paul bursts their bubble. Salvation was for all of humanity.
To make this point, he points out that Abraham was saved before he was circumcised.
23 And Abraham took Ishmael his son, and all that were born in his house, and all that were bought with his money, every male among the men of Abraham’s house; and circumcised the flesh of their foreskin in the selfsame day, as God had said unto him. 24 And Abraham was ninety years old and nine, when he was circumcised in the flesh of his foreskin.
The sign, the seal of the covenant came after salvation. Just as circumcision came after Abraham’s salvation, so we are sealed after our salvation.
30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.
Adam and Eve were not Jews and yet the promise of Salvation was given to them.
Seth was not a Jew but the promised heir was through his lineage.
Enoch was not a Jew but he was translated or raptured to Heaven.
Noah was not a Jew, but the promise of salvation was given to him and his family.
The promise of salvation came long before God called out the Jews as His chosen people.
Conclusion
Salvation never has and never be about what we can do. We cannot earn our way to Heaven. Salvation has always been about what Christ would do and did do on the cross of Calvary. Salvation has always been by grace through faith. Salvation has always been for everyone.