“For the Promise – that he – would be the heir of the World – was not to Abraham – or to his Seed – through the Law – but – through the Righteousness of Faith. (14) For if those who are of the Law are heirs – Faith – is made void – the Promise – made of no effect (15) because the Law – brings about Wrath; for where no Law is – there is no Transgression! (16) Therefore, it is of Faith – that it might be – according to Grace – so that the Promise – might be sure to – to all the Seed; not to that — only – which is of the Law – but to that – also – which is of the Faith of Abraham – who is the Father of us all! (17) According as it is written, I have made thee a Father of many nations – before Him – whom he believed – God – who quickeneth the dead – and calleth those things which be not – as though they were!” [Ro.4:13-17]
“He (i.e. Abraham) did not waver – at the Promise of God – through unbelief – but was strengthened in Faith – giving Glory – to God (21) and being fully persuaded that what He (God) had Promised – He (God) was able also to perform.” [Ro.4:20-21]
Last month we made some brief comments on Ro.4:13 – the context of which truly describes and defines God’s “Promise” unto Abraham – and his “Seed”. This text plainly reveals that our Sovereign Lord God is the One who makes His “Promise” unto Abraham (and Sara) and his (Earthly and Spiritual) “Seed”! It is, also, “This Gospel Truth Event” which the Holy Spirit uses to — inspire the Apostle Paul when he declares unto the pagan and demon worshipping Galatians – that when God Promised Abraham and his “Seed” – that the Galatians, too, were included among the “Seed of Abraham”! Why? because they, also, truly believed in God through his preaching! It is through the Righteousness of Faith that describes and defines Who really are Abraham’s Seed!
This is what the Word of God says: “Even as Abraham believed God, – and it was accounted to him for Righteousness. (7) Know ye therefore – that they which are of Faith – THEY – are the Sons of Abraham. (8) And the Scripture foreseeing [or, more literally: God’s Word Foreknowing] that God – would Justify the Heathen through Faith [i.e. God would Justify the Heathen – meaning lit. His elect unto eternal Salvation – even – God’s Elect from out of all heathen nations] Just like He did with Abraham — him being a pagan Chaldean. It is God – who Preached before [i.e. Preached in advance] the Gospel – unto Abraham – saying – In thee shall all nations be Blessed. (9) So then – that which be of Faith [i.e. “of the Faith of Jesus Christ”; see Gal.2:16] – are Blessed with faithful Abraham.” [Gal.3:6-9]
And, hence, there is more than one Righteous conclusion to be made from the overall context of the Ro.4:13-17 and 20-21 texts. Each conclusion that can be drawn — directs all our thoughts directly to the Person and the Eternally Accomplished Work of Christ, our Savior! First of all – Everything that God Promised to Abraham – Abraham “Believed”– Not that he could perform and fulfill God’s Promise – but that Only God, Himself – would be able to perform and fulfill – His own Word of Promise! And, this Eternal Salvation Truth – is the very foundation of a true living relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ while we are still here throughout our entire walk through this sinful age! If our Salvation is not – ALL Christ – then it is ALL wrong!
Before we leave this all important Context – we will bring forward more pure Truth Points of the Gospel of Glory, only, of the Lord Jesus. Praise the Saving Name of the Lord!
— John Carpenter
