November 12, 2020
The epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul to the church in the capital city of Rome. The date of the letter was most likely around 56 A.D., near the end of Paul’s third missionary journey, while he was in Corinth. Paul had wanted to visit the believers in Rome for some time, however, he had not yet had the chance to do so. The letter afforded Paul the opportunity to introduce himself to the church, and to instruct them in essential truths of the gospel.
The church in Rome was probably founded by those who had come to faith in Christ on the day of Pentecost in Jerusalem. Unlike many of the other churches that Paul wrote to, his aim was not primarily to correct wrong theology or sinful living on the part of the Roman Christians, but to further instruct the church in doctrinal truths and practical living in light of those truths.
The principal theme of Paul’s letter to the Romans is that God justifies guilty, helpless sinners by faith alone in Jesus Christ alone. He dispels any notion that heaven and a relationship with God can be achieved through good works. Generally, the first eleven chapters of Romans are primarily theological while chapters 12-16 are more about practical Christian living and life in the church.
While the letter does contain some challenging passages that believers have debated, Paul addresses issues such as man’s sin and God’s wrath, justification by faith alone, the security of the believer’s salvation, sanctification, God’s sovereignty, God’s plan for Israel, the purpose of governing authorities, Christian living, and the proper use of one’s liberty in Christ.
It was while studying and teaching the book of Romans that a German Catholic priest, in the early 1500’s, came to understand Romans 1:17 in a brand new light. The words, “For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, ‘The righteous shall live by faith’” led him to understand justification was by faith alone and not by works. God would so impact Martin Luther with these words that he became a seminal figure in the Protestant Reformation.
Romans 4
Abraham Justified by Faith
1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered;
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. 10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. 11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, 12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
The Promise Realized Through Faith
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void. 15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. 18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.” 19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb. 20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, 21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised. 22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” 23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, 24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version® (ESV®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Reflection:
- Paul holds up the example of Abraham as one who considered as righteous by God. He said that Abraham probably had some things to boast about by his good works but not before God. What did Paul say brought Abraham’s righteousness (v. 3)?
- According to Paul, was Abraham considered righteous by God before or after he had been circumcised, the sign of the covenant with God (v. 10)?
- Paul said that Abraham was the heir of the world (v. 13). What did this mean?
- According to Paul, are you an offspring of Abraham (vv. 16-17)?
- Even though Abraham lived centuries before Jesus’ death, burial, and resurrection, his faith was a saving faith because he believed God and left a legacy of belief for you and me. What does Paul say is the determining factor for our being counted as “righteous” (vv. 24-25)?
Prayer: Thank you Heavenly Father for salvation through faith and not works. I would have no hope to be good enough to earn my salvation. I thank you that I too am a descendant of Abraham through believing in you and not by my works. I am one Paul spoke of because I have believed in him who raised from the dead Jesus my Lord, who has delivered me up for my trespasses and raised for my justification. I am forever grateful. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Dear Heavenly Father.
Thank you for the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If my salvation depended on works I would fall so short. My works woukd look like dirty rags compared to your gifts to me. It is only by your grace that I am saved. I will forever thank you and praise your name. Lead me in the paths of righteousness and help me to sin no more. In Jesus’name. Amen.
AMEN AND HALLELUJAH!!! PRAISE THE LORD AND SAVIOR FOR THIS BEAUTIFUL PRAYER.
For those who believe that baptism, communion, keeping the Sabbath, keeping the feasts,, etc. are necessary for salvation, you must read this chapter .
Thank you God for my life. I Believe in your word and I know that my works on earth are worthless if my heart is not in it. Thank you for your saving Grace. I Love you Lord Jesus.
Amen and Amen?
There may be lots of `good worldly` people around, but just being good will not open heaven’s door. One must believe in the Lord Jesus Christ – for by grace through faith, we are saved; not by works. The Holy Spirit must convict our heart of the need to repent of our sin to be saved for eternity. Then, we can surrender to the Lordship of Christ. Seek Him while there is still time!
Father, God, thank You so much for allowing me to be a part of Your family. Thank You for Your precious gift of salvation through Jesus Christ our Lord.
I will grow strong in faith, believe in the promises of God, never waiver in unbelief, and give glory to God in all things.
Father,
Without books, without mega-sound systems, even without mega-churches, Abraham worshiped the only true God. Along his path, you God spoke to him and in faith, Abraham believed.
Father, I pause to worship and praise your Holy Name. You used the doctors to save my life and now you give me another day. Why me, LORD? All that I can do I give back to you today.
There may be a time in the near future when I will not be able to share the good news of Jesus Christ with a wanderer, but that day is not today. I lift up the wanderers in my life to the throne room now. Father, send someone across their paths to share Jesus Christ with them. Open their hearts that they may receive the good news.
Father, we are not promised tomorrow, so today I surrender all to you.
Jabez prayed: ‘Bless me indeed. Enlarge my territory. May your hand be with me. Help me to avoid evil, so as not to cause (you) pain.’ Father, you honored his prayer.
LORD, I am unworthy of your love and salvation. I stand afar and simply say, forgive me, for I am such a sinner.
Here I am. Guide me this day. Speak through me words of teaching, encouragement, and in some way, words to motivate others to righteous living.
Now, together, let’s be going and working to build your kingdom.
For it is in the name of Jesus Christ I pray,
Amen
I will never be good enough to deserve your love God. Thank you for sending Jesus to do what I cannot do for myself. Thank you for his love, obedience, his sacrifice and resurrection, that by grace, through faith, saves me from the enteral consequence of my sin.
Thank you dear Lord for your sharing your love with us – for giving the ultimate gift your son for us. My prayer today is that you are given the glory for my work, my words, and my dedication to doing your will.
It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord, 25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.