Romans - Chapter 4

Romans 4

This week Craig continued our study in Romans, Chapter 4.  Paul is not done talking about sin and how we all have sinned.  He is not done fully explaining that the law does not give us hope as many Christians and Romans during his time believed.  No amount of works, nor the law will save us. 

So Paul starts with the Father of the Jews - Abraham.  Paul asks the question "What about Abraham?" Wasn't he saved by works?  Verse 3: What does scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him to him as righteousness."  Paul is quoting from Genesis 15:6 Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.

Paul continues his argument by also quoting David in Psalms. Blessed are those whose trangressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them -vs 7-8.

Craig wrote that "Transgression is a form of rebellion against God. Sin means to not live up to God's standards."  David is saying that good works, obeying the law cannot make us righteous.  But is God who can wash away our sin and forgive us.  It is God's Grace that saves us.  Or better put - "God's Riches At Christ's Expense."

Paul has more arguments throughout chapter 4.  Here are Paul's irrefutable reasons why justification is by faith:

1) Since justification is a gift, it cannot be earned by works (vv. 1-8)
2) Since Abraham was justified before he was circumcised, circumcision has no relationship to justification (vv. 9-12)
3) Since Abraham was justified centuries before the Law, justification is not based on the Law (vv. 13-17)
4) Abraham was justified because of his faith in God, not because of his works (vv. 18-25)

Paul is not done yet talking about how we are sinners and need a savior, but he concludes his argument using Abraham - the Father of the Jews as irrefutable evidedence of justification by faith.

Craig left us with 3 simple questions:

1 - Do you struggle with being justified?
2 - How long did you struggle before you accepted the free gift?
3 - Why?