Continuing our study of Romans, we shall emphasize the condition by which righteousness is granted to the sinner, which includes all but Jesus Christ. Once the penalty for sin was paid by the death of the perfect Son of God, the only condition that remains for righteousness to be imputed is faith. This plan of righteousness was in God’s scheme long ago. Twice, Paul reminds us of this fact. He starts in Romans 1:2 that the gospel was promised through the prophets in the holy scriptures. Then, in Romans 3:21, he tells us that it was witnessed by the law and prophets.
The Jews, who considered Abraham their Father, prided themselves on being of his seed (Matthew 3:9, John 8:33,39). Yet, their own father proved Paul’s thesis to be accurate. Righteousness was not credited to his account because of the works of the law or circumcision. His true seed are those who have his faith (3:16) and who walk in the steps of that faith (v. 12). Abraham discovered what every human being experiences: that regardless of our efforts, we cannot be justified by works of the law.
Abrahamic faith is an example of the faith that justifies. Chapter four is a great text to describe it. Along with Hebrews 11, we have examples in Abraham’s life that he acted in faith. When it is said that Abraham believed God, it was upon that basis that God reckoned or imputed righteousness unto him (Gen. 15:6). God had made promises to Abraham. He had told him to leave his kindred to go to a land that God would show him and that He would give it to him. He had told him that through his seed, which would be as the stars of heaven or the sands of the sea, all nations would be blessed and that his seed would be a son that he and Sarah would have in their old age. Abraham’s faith is not only found the first time he encounters God but characterizes him throughout his life. His was a life of faith. Of course, we might say that Abraham believed those promises, but Genesis 15:6 does not say that Abraham believed the promises. Instead, it says that Abraham believed God. For this reason, many phrases in chapter four describe Abraham’s confidence in God. This is where faith must lie. It may appear to be equal to the same thing but faith is more than accepting what God has said or agreeing with it. It has to do with a basic attitude toward God that takes Him at His word because of His essential nature. He is just, trustworthy, and completely able to perform all that he desires and promises to do. Consequently, faith is fully dependent on Him without reservation. The crowning example of his confidence is found in Genesis 17 when he called upon Abraham to offer his son, Isaac, as a sacrifice. The Bible says that he believed God would raise him from the death. How could you believe in such an unbelievable event? Answer: He believed God.