“Romans 4”

Saturday, February 04, 2017

There are three principles we have discussed so far in Romans.

1) No one can be saved by perfect law keeping, because all have sinned.

2) We must obey the Lord by faith.

3) God’s grace then saves us.

Romans 4 provides an illustration of these principles as set forth in Romans 1-3.

Both Paul (Romans 4) and James (James 2) use Abraham as their example of the relationship between faith and deeds and many conclude that they contradict one another. Such is not the case at all. They were simply answering two different questions and so they approached the subject from opposite directions.

Paul was fighting Judaizers who sought justification by the Law of Moses and so he emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ for salvation, not obedience to the Old Testament.

James deals with those who claim faith in God but it is not demonstrated in their lives. He reminds them that faith without works is dead.

Romans 4 shows us that faith in God has always been essential for salvation, by reminding us that Abraham was justified by faith, before the law of circumcision was given and before the Law of Moses had been revealed. Therefore, neither circumcision nor the Law of Moses is the basis of salvation. Rather, it is our faith and the grace of God that brings about salvation.

--Roger Hillis

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