In Romans 4:1-25, the Apostle Paul uses the story of Abraham as an illustration. Abraham’s story begins with a remarkable divine encounter in Genesis 12. Here, we see God choosing Abraham, then a pagan idol worshiper from the land of Ur, to embark on an extraordinary journey of faith. Abraham’s story is not just a historical account; it is a spiritual odyssey that challenges and redefines our understanding of faith and righteousness. God calls upon a man seemingly unknown to Him, beckoning Abraham to leave his homeland and his comfort zone, and to follow Him into the unknown. This call, demanding immense faith, leads Abraham to a land that God promises to reveal to him. This land, we later learn, is Canaan.
The promises made to Abraham are monumental: land, a family, and a blessing to all nations. Yet, at the time these promises were made, Abraham was childless, and his wife, Sarah, was barren. Despite these circumstances, in Genesis 15, God makes a promise — Abraham’s descendants will be as numerous as the stars in the sky. Here, we encounter the pivotal moment in Abraham’s journey: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). This statement becomes foundational in understanding the nature of faith and righteousness.
Abraham’s journey, however, was not without its missteps. In Genesis 16, we witness a moment where Abraham, instead of waiting for God’s promise, takes matters into his own hands. Despite this, God reaffirms His promise in Genesis 17, changing Abram’s name to Abraham, signifying his destiny as the father of nations and instituting the covenant of circumcision. Finally, in Genesis 21, the promise is fulfilled with the birth of Isaac, the son of promise. From Genesis 12 to 21, Abraham’s life encapsulates a spiritual journey filled with faith, doubt, perseverance, and divine fulfillment.
Paul uses Abraham’s life as an illustration to counter a common Jewish belief of his time — that righteousness could be attained through works. Instead, Paul argues that Abraham’s righteousness was a result of his faith. This challenges traditional Jewish thought, suggesting that salvation has always been, even in the Old Testament, a matter of faith and grace, not works. In examining Abraham’s life, Paul exposes critical lessons about faith, which remain as relevant today as they were two millennia ago. As we delve deeper into Abraham’s story, let’s keep in mind the first of these lessons: Righteousness is a gift received through faith, a theme that Paul will reiterate throughout his epistle to the Romans. Our journey with God, much like Abraham’s, is rooted in faith, not in our own works or merits.
1. Abraham Proves We Are Made Righteous by Faith Alone
Delving deeper into the Apostle Paul’s discourse in Romans 4, we are presented with a pivotal question: “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?” (Romans 4:1). This question sets the stage for a profound investigation of the nature of righteousness and how it is attributed to us. Paul emphasizes the importance of aligning our understanding with what Scripture declares. In doing so, he brings into focus the fundamental truth that stands at the heart of our faith: Righteousness is not a result of our works, but a gift received through faith. The story of Abraham serves as an illustration of this truth. In Genesis 15:6, we read, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” This simple yet profound statement encapsulates the essence of our relationship with God. It is not through our deeds or accomplishments that we gain favor with God, but through our unwavering trust in Him. Abraham’s faith, devoid of any works, was the sole basis for the righteousness credited to him.
This principle obliterates any notion of boasting in the presence of God. If righteousness could be earned, then perhaps we could claim some credit. But no one can stand before God and assert their own merit. Righteousness is a gift, freely given and unearned. It is an act of divine grace that leaves no room for human pride. This is echoed in Romans 11:32, where Paul rhetorically asks, “Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?” The answer is clear: no one. We are chosen not because we are exceptional, but because of Christ’s exceptional love and sacrifice. In the Gospel, there is no hierarchy of worthiness; all are equal in their need for grace and are equally offered redemption through faith.
This concept of righteousness being credited or counted (Greek word “logizomai”) is emphasized throughout Romans 4. It is an accounting term, signifying something profound: what we lack in terms of righteousness, God generously credits to our account through faith. Abraham, devoid of righteousness on his own, received this righteousness solely because he believed God. This doctrine is foundational to our understanding of salvation. It is not our efforts, achievements, or moral standing that reconcile us to God; it is solely our faith that God counts as righteousness. This truth liberates us from the burden of trying to earn God’s favor and invites us into a relationship grounded in grace and trust. As we continue to explore the life of Abraham, we see more clearly that our journey with God is marked by faith, not by our achievements or failures.
2. Abraham Proves We Become Part of God’s Family by Faith Alone
As we delve deeper into Romans chapter 4, the Apostle Paul further explains how salvation is not a product of our works but a gracious gift received through faith. In Romans 4:6-8, the focus is not on human accomplishment but on divine forgiveness and the transformative power of faith. This truth invites us to approach God openly, without the need to conceal our sins or imperfections. God, in His omniscience, is fully aware of our every fault and failing. Yet, through faith in Him, He credits righteousness to our account, while the judgment and punishment we deserve are placed upon Jesus. This divine transaction, where Christ assumes our sinfulness and endows us with His righteousness, eliminates the necessity of hiding from God. Just as children playing hide-and-seek believe they are unseen, we too, at times, foolishly think we can hide from God. But in reality, He sees us fully and loves us deeply.
Paul extends this discussion to the realm of religious rituals, specifically addressing the practice of circumcision. He argues that Abraham was considered righteous before he was circumcised. This timeline is crucial, as it indicates that religious rites, while significant, are not the means to salvation. They are, instead, outward symbols of an inner faith and commitment. Baptism, similarly, is a public declaration of a pre-existing faith, not a mechanism that confers salvation. These rituals are meaningful as they represent a deeper spiritual reality, but they are not in themselves salvific.
Jesus’ discourse in John chapter 8 sheds light on this, presenting two spiritual families — the family of God and the family outside it. The question then arises: To which family do we belong? Our biological or cultural lineage does not automatically enroll us in God’s family. It is only through faith in Jesus, a faith that transcends mere intellectual acknowledgment, that we are adopted into God’s family. This faith is transformative, changing not only our spiritual status but also our relational dynamics. Being part of God’s family extends beyond individual salvation. It ushers us into a community of believers, a spiritual family where every member plays a crucial role. In this family, we are called to support, love, and hold each other accountable. The church, therefore, is not merely a gathering of individuals; it is a family bound by faith, where each member contributes to the collective growth and well-being.
This spiritual family challenges us to look beyond our personal interests. In a world increasingly characterized by division and isolation, the church should stand as a testament to unity, love, and mutual support. The numerous ‘one another’ instructions in the Bible emphasize this communal aspect of our faith. We are encouraged to bear each other’s burdens, forgive one another, and spur each other toward love and good deeds. This is the essence of being part of God’s family — it is about living out our faith in relational contexts, demonstrating the love of Christ to one another.
Abraham’s story powerfully demonstrates that inclusion in God’s family is contingent upon faith alone. This faith is not a mere acknowledgment of facts but a living, dynamic trust that reorients our identity and reshapes our relationships. It invites us into a communal life, where each believer is both a recipient and a contributor of God’s grace. As we reflect on Abraham’s journey, let us embrace this profound truth and live out the implications of being part of this vast, diverse, and loving family of faith.
3. Abraham Shows Faith Is Marked by Steadfast Hope in God and His Promises
Finally, we find that Abraham’s life exemplifies faith marked by an unwavering hope in God and His promises. Abraham’s journey is a vivid portrayal of what it means to live by faith, a faith that is active and rooted in the steadfast hope in God’s word. Saving faith, as Paul points out, is not static or passive. It propels us into a life of obedience, hope, and growing strength in God. This faith moves us beyond the realm of our abilities and circumstances, anchoring us in the reliability and trustworthiness of God. The life of Abraham illustrates that true faith is not merely about believing in God’s existence but trusting in His character and promises, even when circumstances seem contrary.
In Romans 4:18, we read of Abraham’s extraordinary faith: “In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations.” This statement captures the essence of Abraham’s faith. Despite facing seemingly impossible circumstances — his age and Sarah’s barrenness — Abraham’s hope in God’s promise did not waver. He believed, against all odds, because his faith was not based on human possibilities but on God’s word. Paul elaborates on this unwavering faith in verse 19, noting that Abraham did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, but rather grew stronger, giving glory to God. This progression of faith, from doubt to steadfastness, is a hallmark of a genuine relationship with God. Abraham’s faith, like ours, had its moments of faltering. Yet, the overall trajectory of his faith journey was marked by growth and deepening trust in God.
The journey from Genesis 16, where Abraham tried to fulfill God’s promise through his own means, to Genesis 22, where he demonstrated readiness to sacrifice Isaac, shows a remarkable evolution of faith. Our faith, too, is meant to evolve, to become more steadfast, relying not on our abilities but on God’s promises. As we reflect upon Abraham’s story, we are reminded that our faith journey is not about mere admiration of biblical figures. It is about emulating their faith in the living God. We are called to a faith like Abraham’s — a faith that does not hide from God but comes boldly before Him, trusting in His promises. This faith is not founded on works, religious rituals, or law adherence, but solely on trust in God and His Son.
So, how do we know that our faith is genuine? It is evidenced in our love for Jesus, as He Himself says in John 8:42. Our faith in God is manifested in our love for Christ, hope in His promises, and a life being continually transformed by His grace. This transformative faith is not about excusing our sins but recognizing that in our failures, we have a Savior who meets us with mercy, not counting our sins against us, but crediting us with righteousness.
As we approach Thanksgiving, let us remember that the greatest reason for our gratitude lies in the freedom we have received from sin and death through the work of Jesus Christ. For those who have not yet placed their faith in Christ, the message is clear: turn from self-reliance, repent, and believe in the finished work of Jesus for salvation. For the believer, let this be an encouragement to continually look to Jesus, grow in faith, and live out the transformative power of the gospel in every aspect of life. This is the legacy of faith Abraham leaves us, a faith marked by steadfast hope in God and His promises.
