November 24th~Saved by Faith

Romans 2:1-4:25

As Paul continued his letter to the Romans, he unraveled the idea that salvation comes by obedience to the Law rather than through faith in Christ (similar to his letter to the Galatians). In doing so, he targeted a sacred stronghold of Judaism – Father Abraham (4:1-25). No doubt, Paul’s words were painful for Jews to hear. Abraham was their most cherished forefather; for anyone to meddle with his legacy was like walking into a mine field. Thus, one begins to under- stand why Paul was perfect for this role; his training in the Law and his background with the Pharisees qualified him, more than anyone else, to be able to speak into this area.

Furthermore, Paul was a brilliant debater; he used one of the Jews’ primary weapons against them. No doubt Abraham’s circumcision was employed by the Jews as strong support for their requiring Christians to be circumcised, but Paul rendered this weapon useless, and, instead, enlisted Abraham as support for the Gospel. How did he accomplish this task?

First, Paul pointed out that Abraham was “reckoned by God as righteous,” not for obeying the Law, but by believing God through faith (v.3 -5, 13, 14). Abraham did nothing to achieve righteousness. He simply believed God; that’s all, no works. Second, Paul made it clear that Abraham preceded the Law and, yet, was still justified by God (Galatians 3:8a). The Mosaic Law came much later; and, yet, Abraham was reckoned as righteous. Paul understood that Abraham’s receiving righteousness by faith, apart from the Law, was an Old Testament picture of the Gospel. Thus, Abraham should not be used as support for the Law but as sup- port for the Gospel.

Third, Abraham was reckoned as righteous be- fore being circumcised (Genesis 15:6; 17:10, 11; Romans 4:9-12). Circumcision, which later became part of the Law, only marked Abraham as a “believer.” Circumcision did not make him a believer. Therefore, although he is technically the “father” of the Jews, Abraham could not be used as support for the idea that only those who are circumcised can be saved or “reckoned as righteous.” Clearly, Abraham’s example is one of salvation before circumcision. His works (circumcision) followed his faith; they were not prerequisites for his faith.

Fourth, when Abraham believed God, he was a Gentile (pagan), not a Jew. Ouch! This fact would have hurt his Jewish readers. God foreshadowed the salvation of the Gentiles through Abraham. Technically, Abraham is our spiritual forefather, just as much as he is the Jews’ national forefather. Therefore, it was prophesied of Abraham that through him “all the nations would be blessed” (Galatians 3:8b). When we sing the song about “Father Abraham, who had many sons; I am one of them and so are you,” it is true. All men, Jews (nationally) and Gentiles (spiritually) are included in his family tree.

Daily Reflection

Paul answered a vital question – how were people in the Old Testament saved, before Christ? Simple, just like you and me – by faith. Those before Jesus believed God by faith in the Messiah who was to come, while we who live after Jesus put our faith in what He has already done. Both groups, Old and New Testament, are saved in the same way.

What, then, was the purpose of the Law? “To keep people from having excuses and to bring the world into judgment before God” (Romans 3:19). No one can boast that he has done anything to be accepted of God... There is only one way to be accepted by Him. He makes people right with Himself by faith” (v.27, 30).

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