Romans 4:13-18 (NKJV) 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 and the promise made of no effect, 15 because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law 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 all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, “I HAVE MADE YOU A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE.”
V13 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.
Abraham did not receive the unconditional promise as heir of the world. This heir is a descendant of Abraham, namely Jesus Christ. Jesus is the seed.
The promise to Abraham’s seed was not through Mosaic law but through the righteousness of faith. Jesus is not only sanctified (separated to God) by God the Father for Jesus’s ministry; Jesus also sanctifies Himself (John 10:36 and John 17:19).
Faith is what makes one righteous. This faith is believing Jesus to be God the Son, Savior of the world, and the Lamb of God.
V14 For if those who are of the law [are] heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect…
No one can be justified by the Law (Romans 3:20-24). If it were possible, then faith is not necessary and the promise made to Abraham has no effect. Abraham didn’t have Mosaic Law to follow and obey.
Abraham did have faith (Genesis 15:6).
The Greek word for no effect is (G2673) καταργέω katargéō, which means idle as in useless, without purpose or effect, and pointless.
Constable writes: “To introduce law-keeping as a condition for the fulfillment of this promise would have two effects. First, it would make faith irrelevant. It would subject this simple unconditional promise to the condition of human obedience.”
V15 …because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law, there is no transgression.
The Law brings God’s wrath because all people sin. Sin is breaking God’s laws. He is the King of kings, Lawgiver, and Judge. It is impossible for humans to not sin. Only Jesus, God the Son, is sinless. If there is no law, a person cannot break the law. God’s wrath is terrifying. He has warned through creation, conscience, and Scriptures that those who break His law will experience His wrath (Revelation 19:15). God’s wrath is the punishment for sin. Jesus provides deliverance from God’s wrath upon the condition of believing in His Son. (Romans 5:8-9).
V16 Therefore [it is] of faith that [it might be] according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all…
Faith and grace go hand in hand. Faith is believing God and grace is something given without our merit. God’s grace begins with the work of the Holy Spirit bringing conviction and guilt (John 16:8).
The Gospel brings deliverance not the law. So, all Abraham’s descendants who have faith and Gentiles who believe will know salvation by faith in Jesus alone.
V17 …(as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did…
There are the physical nations, namely Israel, Edom (Easu), and Ismael’s descendants. There are also spiritual nations that believers come from every nation on Earth. Abraham believed God’s words and was included in God’s salvation. God is the only one who gives physical life and spiritual life. Rituals and sacraments do not save. God’s condition for salvation is only faith in Jesus Christ (John 3:15-18 and Galatians 3:24).
Bible Knowledge Commentary: “Paul then supported his conclusion in Rom 4:16 with scriptural authority, quoting God’s covenantal promise from Gen 17:5. The fact that believers in this Church Age are identified with Abraham and God’s covenant with him does not mean that the physical and temporal promises to Abraham and his physical descendants are either spiritualized or abrogated. It simply means that God’s covenant and Abraham’s response of faith to it have spiritual dimensions as well as physical and temporal aspects (cf. comments on Rom 4:13).”
V18 …who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.”
At their advanced ages, bearing a child seemed impossible. What God promised, He did.
Hope is expecting what God has promised.
We learn:
- About Abraham’s call.
- About Abraham’s faith.
- About God’s promises to Abraham.
Questions:
- What do you hope for?
••Have you read any of the Bible’s promises?