11. Romans 4:9-17 - The Righteousness of Faith and Abraham’s Faith

September 26th, 2024
by Jongseung Park

Paul continues his argument that justification comes by faith and not by the works of the law, using Abraham as a model of faith. He explains that righteousness was credited to Abraham before he was circumcised, making him the father of all who believe—both Jews and Gentiles. Paul further explains that the promises made to Abraham were not given through the law but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

1. SCRIPTURE

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. 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.

2. OBSERVATIONS :

In Genesis 15:6, Abraham believes God’s promise of descendants, and at that moment, God credits him with righteousness. The verse states: “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” Importantly, Abraham receives this righteousness before he is circumcised, which is described later in Genesis 17. Circumcision serves as a sign and seal of the covenant God makes with Abraham and his descendants, but it does not precede the righteousness that Abraham obtained through faith. Paul uses this example to argue that righteousness through faith is available to all, not just the circumcised (Jews). Therefore, Abraham is considered the father of all who believe, regardless of whether they are circumcised or not(v. 9-12).

The promise to Abraham—that he would be the heir of the world—did not come through the law, but through the righteousness of faith (v. 13). This means that the law was not the mechanism through which God’s promise was received. If it were, then faith would be unnecessary, and the promise would be worthless (v. 14).

God's promise is guaranteed to all of Abraham’s offspring—not just those who are under the law (Jews), but also those who have faith like Abraham (Gentiles) (v. 15-16).

The promise is inclusive and rooted in faith, not in the observance of the law (v. 17).

3. APPLICATION:

Just like Abraham was credited with righteousness before he was circumcised, I’m reminded that it’s my faith in Christ he that makes me right with God, not just the religious practices I follow. I need to trust in God’s promises and lean on His grace, even when I can’t see how things will turn out.

God’s promise is for everyone who believes, no matter their background. This really challenges me to embrace the inclusivity of the gospel. I’m called to have faith like Abraham, and that faith connects me with believers from all walks of life. I need to be careful not to create divisions or judge others based on outward appearances. Instead, I want to celebrate the diversity within God’s family and remember that righteousness comes through faith for all who believe. So, I’ll strive to extend grace to others, recognizing that we’re all united by our faith.

4. PRAYER:

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the amazing truth that my righteousness comes through faith, not from what I do or religious rituals. Just like Abraham, I’m made right with You by trusting in Your promises. I praise You for the grace that covers my shortcomings and the assurance that Your promises are received by faith, not by my efforts.

Lord, forgive me for the times I’ve leaned on my own works or rituals to earn Your favor. Help me to live in the freedom of knowing that I’m justified by grace alone. Let this truth guide my walk with You as I trust in Your promises and rest in the righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus.

Thank You for the inclusivity of Your promise, available to all who believe. Give me a heart that extends grace to others and help me celebrate the diversity of Your family. May my life reflect the faith of Abraham, who trusted You even when things seemed impossible. Teach me to live by faith, not by works, and to trust in Your faithfulness.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Posted in Book of Romans