June 28, 2022 – Tuesday
Romans 4:16 NIV
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.
Comments
In this chapter Paul argues that we are justified by faith, just as Abraham was justified by faith. He is careful to make this argument because faith is not a work or works leading to something we can boast or brag about. Here it is in verses two and three, 2 If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3 What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” See Genesis 15:6 which reads, Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness. A few have trusted or put his trust in the Lord and one has put his faith in the Lord.
This brings us to Paul’s declaration, 16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. How did Abraham become the father of us all? He was the first to believe, trust, have faith in the Lord and it was his belief, trust, faith that the Lord credited to him as righteousness. Paul puts it this way, 19 Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. 20 Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. 22 This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Then Paul shows how this applies to us as well, 23 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, 24 but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. This is why we are called Abraham’s offspring in the first part of our verse for today, Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring. The promise comes by faith and it is by grace, God’s unmerited favor, that it is guaranteed.
We didn’t earn it and we didn’t deserve it. God’s favor, His grace is simply a gift if we will but believe. Or as Paul said, 2b4 God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification. That is how we receive His grace, His unmerited favor, by our belief, our faith, that Jesus died for our sins and was raised to life on the third day. For that we have Jesus imputed righteousness as He justifies us before His Father.
Bottom Line: Our faith in Jesus dying for our sins and rising on the third day is the single key to receiving God’s grace. Let us live and behave in such a way that our faith is known to be real to God who can see into our hearts. The last thing we want to have happen is to hear from Jesus, I never knew you.
Prayer: Almighty God, Help me to live my faith every day, day in and day out, knowing Jesus is the source of the grace you have granted me. – In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
RileyD, nwJ
Riley D. Driver – Pastor
Calvary Chapel of Dayton
in Beavercreek