To tear down the idea that we must work to earn our salvation, or that those who were under the Mosaic Law God counted as righteous, Paul turns our attention back to the Old Testament using Abraham, again, as the example. To refresh our memory of the blessing Paul is referring to in verse 9, we will look back at David in Romans 4:6. Verse 6 teaches that David speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works. Having broken the Law of God, David understood in His heart that his works of keeping the Law condemned him. For he did not, nor could he keep the Law.
The Blessings Apart From Works
- Our lawless deeds are forgiven
- Our sins are covered
- God does not take into account our sin
These blessings are on those who, through grace, by faith, believe in Him who raised Jesus from the dead. They are not through the Law. Now Paul goes on to pull out Old Testament scriptures that teach this truth.
When Did God Credit Righteousness to Abraham?
How then was it credited? While he, Abraham, was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised.
We learn from Genesis 17:1-10 that God established a covenant with Abraham. God initiated this covenant not based on the works of Abraham but solely based on His character and purposes. What were the covenant promises? ( Remember Abraham was 99 years old and he and Sara had no children) Genesis 16:1|Genesis 17:1
- God would multiply him exceedingly
- God would make Abraham the father of many nations
- God will make Abraham exceedingly fruitful.
- Kings would come through the line of Abraham.
We learn from the Genesis passage righteousness was credited to Abraham before circumcision. You may find yourself asking this question. Why circumcision then? Paul answers that question as well in Romans 4:11-12, again returning to Genesis 17:10-14.
The Sign and Seal of Circumcision
“He, Abraham, received the sign and seal of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness which he had while uncircumcised.” Romans 4:11
“This is My covenant, which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: every male among you shall be circumcised.” Genesis 17:10
Looking at these passages together, we learn that God credited righteousness to Abraham before circumcision. Circumcision was a sign and a seal for Abraham and His descendants after him that God would indeed keep His covenant promises. Circumcision was not a work to be done to earn righteousness. Paul has already taught in Romans 2: 29, that circumcision is that which is of the heart not by the letter.
Romans 4:11-12 answers yet another question. We already know that grace is through faith and not through works, but for what other reason would Abraham receive the sign and seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised?
Abraham would be the father of the uncircumcised as well as the circumcised. The Jew and the Gentile. What a blessing that God has bestowed. His grace would come to every nation and tribe of people who, through faith, believe!
For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is nullified. For the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there is no violation.
If those who are of the Law, (those who were legalistic in their thinking, believing that by doing good and keeping the Law, and even being circumcised) are heirs, then the promise of God would be nullified or made void. The Mosaic Law was not given until after Abraham. Paul tells us in this verse that the purpose of the Law was to bring about wrath, condemnation, and destruction, not salvation.
The Promise is Guaranteed
For this reason: by the works of the Law, no man will be justified. The Law brings about wrath, not righteousness. Righteousness is through faith, so that it may be by grace! For by grace, you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is a gift of God. Ephesians 2:8
So that the promise would be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Paul used the phrase “of the Law” two different times. In later usages, he is using it to refer to the believing Jew. The ones who, by faith, believe in the coming messiah.
I am praising God today for His grace not only to the believing Jew but also to the believing Gentile. Those of all tongues and nations!
Lisa, this is wonderful. I hope that you have a group of women somewhere in your life who are able to benefit from all your studies. Blessings!
Thank you, Michele! I do hold a Bible Study in my home. We walk through these studies before they go up on the blog! I would love to see women all over doing these studies and growing in their walk with the Lord! Thank you for your encouragement:) God Bless!
Good words for this Monday morning! I also liked your Facebook page. I didn’t realize I hadn’t already done that. 🙂
Thank you, Melanie! Thanks also for liking my page! Have a Blessed day!
Hello, Lisa. Just wanted you to know I’ve been following along. Thank you for putting this study together. There’s so much to learn here.
Have a great Monday.
Hi, Gleniece! I am so grateful you are following along. I pray God uses it to encourage and equip! Thank you for letting me know you are following along:) I have been encouraged today! God bless
I love that all of HIs promises are yes and amen! His word never returns null or void! What He spoke HE WILL do!
Oh, me too, Caroline! What He says He will do!
Ephesians is one of my favorite books- so much truth and wisdom. I love looking at Abraham in this way, and considering how our grace is realized through faith. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, Kelsie! Romans is one of my favorites as well. I love how Paul uses Abraham as our example! I praise Him we are counted righteous through faith and not works! Thanks for stopping by today:) God Bless!
This is great, I just finished a study of Galatians, and it focused completely on our grace is through faith, not works. Love how alive the bible is.
Me too, Marissa! It is alive and active, and never contradicts itself!
I love Romans! Sometimes it can be a little difficult for me to understand so I appreciate you expounding on these verses.
Romans is such a powerful book, Rebekah! There are so many things I still do not understand! I am glad and hopeful, that these posts will help! Thank you so much for stopping by today! God Bless:)
Yes, even from the beginning God planned for salvation for Jews *and* Gentiles!
Yes, so thankful He did! What Grace:)
Praise Him for His wonderful grace! 🙂
Praising Him right along with you!
Very good, Lisa. Amazing grace it really is! So thankful I don’t need to earn my salvation – I’d be useless at it!
So would I Helen!It is all about His amazing Grace! Thanks for your encouraging words today! God Bless:)
This is a fine study. God’s grace is so powerful. My husband and I are reading Ephesians, after finishing the Corinthians. Paul speaks on this again and again, and God’s Truth beams forth, reminding us of His mercy and His grace.
Praising Him and thanking Him.
Caring through Christ, ~ linda
Yes, Linda, God’s grace is powerful! I am so grateful for God’s reminders throughout His word. Thank you for your encouraging words. I am glad you stopped by for a visit:) God Bless!
Jesus’ Grace is absolutely what I’m all about! I’m so thankful to Him for His unbelievable kindness to us in giving it to us!
I am very thankful as well, Susannah!! His grace is absolutely unbelievable and undeserved. Thanks for stopping by:)
I love grace, it’s so needed to walk life’s journey! Love this!
Cathy
Thank you, Cathy! Yes, God’s grace is so needed to walk this journey! We could not make it without it.