“The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone,” (Romans 4:23, NIV). Paul's argument is profound. If a promise is made based upon faith alone, and one finds out that it is to be gained by law-keeping, the notion of faith is irrelevant. "Paul explains why one cannot be an heir through the law: human beings cannot keep the law, and they therefore face God’s wrath." [1] Paul's view is sola fide -- faith alone.
“Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” (Romans 4:16, NIV).
Abraham's faith in God, that God was able to do what He promised was the "instrumental cause" of his salvation. But here's the good news: “The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone,” (Romans 4:23, NIV). No, this amazing promise was “also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.” (Romans 4:24–25, NIV).
True saving faith then clothes itself with these two realities: One, it works for everyone -- not just the Jew. Because the basis is faith, all people from all nations can be saved. Secondly, saving faith works. Notice: “Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead . . . Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,” (Romans 4:19–20, NIV). "The word translated [waver] (Gr diakrinomai), means to separate, distinguish, and as a deponent means “dispute.” In regard to faith in God, Abraham was not of a divided mind." [2] This faith is a gift from God (Ephesians 2:8f); and it is a faith that works. When the writer to the Hebrews discussed the matter of apostacy, he understood that the faith received in salvation was not a stagnant or passive faith. No, he wrote, “Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation.” (Hebrews 6:9, NIV)
"The proof of justification by faith in Abraham’s case leads Paul back to the foundation of justification in the work of Christ (3:24–26). Christ’s death and resurrection are two aspects of one saving work. In the first part, Christ bore the legal penalty for our guilt. In the second, He rose from the dead, His resurrection confirming that His death was a sufficient and effective offering for sin, pleasing the Supreme Judge." [3]
"The noun faith occurs ten times in this chapter and the corresponding verb believe occurs six times. Together the idea of believing faith is found no less than sixteen times in Romans 4. . . . The application of Romans 4 is simple: faith imputes righteousness. There isn’t a thing anyone can do to become clothed with God’s righteousness except have faith in Jesus Christ as his Saviour from sin." [4]
Father, apart from the horrible slaughter of Christ as He bore the wrath of God in my place; and apart from the glorious and almost-mind-blowing resurrection of Jesus from the grave, I would have nothing tangible and infinitely worthy to place my faith in. And apart from Your free gift of faith I would not have a faith that finds its rest in Your finished work. And Father apart from a faith that is given, a faith that is established on the eternal work of the Son; and a faith that actually works something in me -- I would be lost. So Father, You get all the glory -- You get all the credit. Nothing in my hands I bring, simply to the Cross I cling.
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1. Crossway Bibles. (2008). The ESV Study Bible (2164). Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles.
2. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2226). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
3. Whitlock, L. G., Sproul, R. C., Waltke, B. K., & Silva, M. (1995). The Reformation study Bible: Bringing the light of the Reformation to Scripture: New King James Version (Ro 4:25). Nashville: T. Nelson.
4. KJV Bible Commentary. 1994 (E. E. Hindson & W. M. Kroll, Ed.) (2227). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
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