Abraham - Father of All

Abraham was justified by faith.

Romans 4:1–5

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about--Abraham deserves the credit for his own righteousness; not God.

Paul challenges the Jews using their own heritage and scripture.

Genesis 15:6

And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Paul uses an example that everyone understands.

Pay (wages) is not a gift.

Wages are earned for work produced.

If we are justified by our own works, then righteousness is something we are owed; something that we earned.

Paul just finished saying; “No one is righteous”

Romans 3:10

As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one:

Christ earned righteousness.

Christ’s righteousness is credited to our account when we believe in him.

David celebrates the same truth.

Psalm 32:1-2 “Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the Lord imputeth not iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no guile.”

Paul asks a critical question: When was Abraham credited his righteousness? Was it before the law was given or after? Romans 4:10a

Paul answers very clearly. Abrahams righteousness was credited to him by faith before his circumcision. Romans 4:10b

God’s promise to Abraham was given before the commandments of the law and before his circumcision.

The promise to be the father of many nations was given to Abraham, not through adherence to the law, but through the righteousness of his faith. Romans 4:13

The promise given by faith is a result of grace so that ALL descendants of Abraham can be justified. Romans 4:16

Abraham had faith, despite his age and Sara’s barrenness, that God would fulfill his promise. Romans 4:18-19

Scripture specifies that Abraham’s faith was credited to him for righteousness. Genesis 15:6 “And he believed in the Lord; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”

Paul points out that the phrase “it was imputed to him” was not just talking about Abraham. Romans 4:23-24

If we believe, just as Abraham did, that God fulfills his promises; then we too will be credited Christ’s righteousness. Romans 4:24-25