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Romans Chapter 4
Rick Moffett
Note – At the end of chapter three Paul began to proclaim that man is justified by faith and not by keeping the Law. So, to illustrate his point here in chapter four, he asks his readers to consider Abraham, a man greatly revered by most Jews. For it was the Jews who were struggling to accept that it was faith alone, and not their “keeping the Law” that justified them before God.
Galatians chapter 3 provides an excellent commentary on this chapter.
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V1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?
Summary - Paul asks his readers to consider what had been revealed to Abraham, the physical father (as distinguished from Abraham’s spiritual descendants) of the Jews.
Comments – All those who were Jews could trace their ancestry back to Abraham, thus these were his physical descendants (“according to the flesh”). And sadly, most Jews wrongly believed that it was this relationship with Abraham that made them to be in a right relationship with God. But throughout the scriptures, God’s written word clearly states that it is those who have received Christ by faith that are the ones justified; and thus, are the spiritual descendants of Abraham. See Romans 9:6-8; Galatians 3:7, 29.
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V2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, But not before God.
Summary - Assuming Abraham’s “good works” could justify him, he would have something to boast about. However, no man has anything to boast about before God.
Comments – Keeping the Law or conforming to any religious performance standard may give the appearance of righteousness, but only to men. Consider Col 2:20-23.
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V3 For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Summary - Again, Abraham was declared righteous (justified) as a result of believing God (faith).
Comments – Paul strengthens his point by quoting from Genesis 15:6, which was written hundreds of years before the Law was given to the Jews at Mt. Sinai.
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V4-5 Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, But as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,
Summary - When a man works, his wages are not given as a favor, but rather what is due for the work he did. The ungodly man who does not work, but has faith in God, is the one whom God justifies and declares righteous.
Comments – Paul first gives an example that all men would understand. He contrasts the person who works to achieve righteousness with the one who does not work but is declared righteous by his faith.
Are you a person who likes to watch movies where the “bad guys” get away with murder, robbery, and abuse of the people in their community; but then, in the end, they get wiped out when the hero comes on the scene and cleans up the town? If so, you will probably bristle up when you read these verses. Why? Because we love to see people get what’s coming to them! But thank God he doesn’t give us what we deserve.
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V6-8 just as David also speaks of the blessing on the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works: 7 “BLESSED ARE THOSE WHOSE LAWLESS DEEDS HAVE BEEN FORGIVEN, AND WHOSE SINS HAVE BEEN COVERED. 8 “BLESSED IS THE MAN WHOSE SIN THE LORD WILL NOT TAKE INTO ACCOUNT."
Summary - Paul quotes David from Psalm 32:1-2, another man that most Jews revered. The message is the same however, righteousness is credited to a person by God apart from works. Righteousness and forgiveness are both blessings from God and are received by faith in Christ’s redemptive work (His death, burial, and resurrection).
Comments – Paul continues to use examples that the Jews would respect. However, there are still those who will not accept the New Covenant of grace.
Notice that this quote from Psalm 32 states that “sins have been covered”. Only covered? Yes, because at the time of that writing, Jesus had not yet gone to the cross. Jesus’ death on the cross did NOT just cover man’s sin, but took them away forever! Consider John 1:29; Hebrews 9:28; 10:2.
Note - “blessing” – makarismos (Gr) – in this context, this word describes a state of internal joy, peace, and happiness, regardless of one’s external circumstances. The source of this blessing is being in a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Too often people think of blessings as only that which pertains to external things.
No Additional Notes
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V9 Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, "FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Summary - Paul asks the question as to whether this blessing (v7-8) was on those who kept the Law (the circumcised) or those who did not keep the Law (the uncircumcised). Then he quotes Genesis 15:6 again for the answer to his question.
Comments – Paul continues to build his case to silence those Jews who insisted on keeping the Law. Sadly, even today well-meaning Christians hold on to all or parts of the Old Covenant Law; and in so doing, place themselves in bondage.
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V10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, But while uncircumcised;
Summary - Yet another question. This time it is not, that Abraham was credited with God’s righteousness, but when he was credited with righteousness. Was it before or after he was circumcised? The answer – before he was circumcised.
Comments – Paul continues to build his case. The point here is obvious – circumcision has nothing to do with a person being declared righteous.
For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith working through love. Galatians 5.6
For neither is circumcision anything, nor uncircumcision, but a new creation. Galatians 6.15
Note – Abraham was later circumcised, but God had long before declared him to be righteous. Here is a good explanation from preceptaustin.org –
The chronology of Genesis proves Paul’s case to any honest observer who allows the text to speak for itself! Abraham’s age when he was declared righteous (Gen. 15:6) is not stated, but later when Hagar bore him Ishmael, Scripture records his age as 86 yo (Gen. 16:16). Ishmael was 13 yo when both he and Abraham were circumcised (Gen. 17:25, 26) and Abraham was 99 yo (Gen. 17:24). But God declared Abraham righteous before Ishmael had been conceived (Gen.15:6; 16:2-4), which would have been at least 14 years before Abraham’s circumcision.
In short, Abraham's righteousness was not credited to his "spiritual bank account" because he was circumcised. In fact, the converse is true - Abraham was circumcised as a testimony to the fact that he had been justified by faith.
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V11-12 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, So that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, But who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.
Summary - Abraham was circumcised as a sign of the covenant between him and God (Gen. 17:11) after he was declared righteous by his faith in response to God’s promise to him (Gen. 15:5-6; Rom. 4:20-22). His circumcision also became a sign of his righteousness to the uncircumcised (Gentiles). This was a sign that one did not have to be circumcised to be declared righteous by God. He believed God while he was yet uncircumcised, thus becoming the spiritual father of all Gentiles (known as the uncircumcised) who also placed their faith (belief) in Christ and are, therefore, declared righteous. He is also the spiritual father of those Jews (circumcised) who placed their faith (belief) in Christ.
Comments – It is not just the Jews who are placing their hopes for heaven on their works, etc. Today, people place their hopes for heaven on their church attendance, the fact that they were baptized in water, their church heritage (e.g., my father was a pastor), or a myriad of other “good works”, etc. I have talked to many people about Jesus. More often than not, the first words I hear regarding their salvation are something they have done, rather than what Jesus did on the cross. Our behavior, be it good or bad, has nothing to do with our salvation (Eph. 2:8-9).
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V13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, But through the righteousness of faith.
Summary - The promise God made to Abraham would not be fulfilled by keeping the Law but through faith. The promise was that Abraham and his spiritual descendants would be “heirs of the world”.
Comments –We do not find the promise that Abraham would be “heir of the world” anywhere in the Old Testament; at least not in those exact words. It appears that this promise is the culmination of all or many of the promises God made to Abraham as found in the book of Genesis. All those who are “in Christ”, i.e., those who have placed their faith in Christ and subsequently have been placed into union with Christ, are included in this promise to be heirs of the world. Consider Galatians 3:16, 26-29.
Note - Several words appear in this verse for the first time in chapter four – promise, descendants (seed), and heir. To help you better understand what is being said in this chapter of Romans, as well as many other places in scripture, you must understand the meaning and various uses of these words. See “Additional Notes” below.
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V14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;
Summary - If obeying a set of rules could make a person an heir to God’s promise, then there would be no need for faith and thus, the promise of God is of no effect.
Comments – see comments on v13.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Gal. 3.29 (KJV)
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V15 For the Law brings about wrath, But where there is no law, there also is no violation.
Summary - The Law keeps on producing the wrath of God (because no man can fully adhere to the Law); but if there is no law, there is nothing to violate.
Comments – One of the purposes of the Law was to reveal man’s sinfulness. And, sin always brings the wrath of God (Rom. 1:18).
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V16 For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, So that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, 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,
Summary – “It” (the promise – v14) is ours by grace through faith. The guarantee mentioned here refers to the fact that the promise is available to all men, both “those who are of the Law” (Jews) and “those who are of the faith” (Gentiles and Jews of the same faith as Abraham). Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have received Christ by faith.
Comments – Since the promise comes by grace, it cannot be obtained by keeping the Law. Grace and law are complete opposites. Furthermore, if the promise came by the Law, no one could ever receive it, because no man can keep the Law!
Paul continues to hammer home the fact that we are declared righteous by faith, receive the promise by faith, and become heirs by faith.
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V17 (as it is written, "A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU") in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
Summary – Paul had just stated that Abraham was the spiritual father of all those of faith. He then quotes Genesis 17:5, which repeats this same truth. Abram believed God and was in His presence when God made the promise to make him “a father of many nations”. Paul reminds us of God’s unlimited power by giving examples of his ability to resurrect the dead to life and to declare things that have not yet happened as though they have.
Comments – Abraham had not yet become the father of many nations, but God spoke of it as though it had already become a reality. God knows the end from the beginning. He is not constrained by time.
Consider - Our faith is not in faith or in something that we decide we want to happen. Our faith is in almighty God and what He says and His ability to make it happen! Amen.
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V18 In hope against hope he believed, So that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, "SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE."
Summary - Abraham was confident of God’s promise, even when, from man’s perspective there was no hope. Paul quotes Genesis 15:5 - "SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE."
Comments – From man’s perspective, there was no hope that Abraham and Sarah could ever have a son, which would have been necessary if Abraham were to have any descendants, and thus be the father of many nations.
for we walk by faith, not by sight— 2 Corinthians 5.7
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V19 Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;
Summary - Even though Abraham fully understood that because of their age, there was no logical way that he and Sarah could produce a child, he kept his faith in God’s promise.
Comments – Abraham was 75 years old when God promised him a son. He was 100 years old when his son Isaac, was born.
It seems that God delights in doing things that are “humanly impossible”. And would that not be the definition of a miracle? If man can explain it, it’s really not a miracle. God often allows us to get into situations where we are completely helpless before He acts on our behalf. When we learn to live in complete dependence on Him, we will then live in complete freedom. His timing is always perfect; ours is not. God never fails! Listen here.
Consider Paul’s experience -
8 For we do not want you to be unaware, brethren, of our affliction which came to us in Asia, that we were burdened excessively, beyond our strength, so that we despaired even of life; 9 indeed, we had the sentence of death within ourselves so that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God who raises the dead; 10 who delivered us from so great a peril of death, and will deliver us, He on whom we have set our hope. And He will yet deliver us, 2 Corinthians 1.8-10
Note – v19 begins a sentence that goes all the way to the end of v21
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V20 yet with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
Summary - Abraham kept his faith in God’s promise, which resulted in God empowering him, resulting in God’s glory.
Comments – In short - hear the word of God → believe it (have faith) → choose to act on it (which sometimes means -WAIT) → God then empowers your actions as you surrender to the leading of the Holy Spirit.
Acting in faith in God’s word always brings Him glory, for it is always God who initiates and empowers the action in which we have placed our faith.
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V21 and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
Summary - Abraham was fully convinced in his thinking that God was able to perform all that He had promised.
Comments – It is in our thinking where the battle is won or lost. Our enemy, Satan, can put thoughts into our minds. And of course, Satan, the father of all lies, only puts thoughts in our minds that deceive us. That is why we are encouraged to continually renew our minds with the truth.
And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect. Romans 12.2
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V22 Therefore IT WAS ALSO CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Summary - Abraham was declared righteous by God as a result of his faith.
Comments – Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 again (also in Rom. 4:3, 9).
No Additional Notes
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V23-24 Now not for his sake only was it written that it was credited to him, 24 But for our sake also, to whom it will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,
Summary - Abraham’s faith was not just written about for Abraham but as an encouragement for all those who would read these words. Today, we can also be assured that by our faith in Christ’s redemptive work (His death, burial, and resurrection), we too will be declared righteous by God. Amen.
For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. Romans 15.4
Comments – Earlier (v17), Paul refers to the fact that God gives life to the dead. Here again, he also mentions that same truth. In a sense, that is what he did with Abraham and Sarah, whose bodies, as far as birthing a child, were as good as dead (v19). He brought forth life (Isaac) from their “dead” bodies!
Note – “to whom it will be credited” - More literally "to whom it is about to be credited.” As Steven Cole explains, "The verb, ‘is about to,’ has a future reference from the standpoint of the Old Testament, looking ahead to God’s promise as fulfilled in the death and resurrection of Jesus."
No Additional Notes
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V25 He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
Summary - Jesus yielded His life to pay our sin debt and was resurrected as proof that God accepted the payment so that we could be justified (declared innocent). Consider Isaiah 53.
Comments – Here in this final verse of chapter four, Paul reiterates the heart of the gospel message, Christ’s death, and His resurrection. Please know that this has always been the plan of our Sovereign God. He spoke in the Garden of Eden of the coming seed (Christ) who would defeat our enemy, Satan. He preserved that seed throughout history until just the right time for Him to be born. His death and resurrection were the climax of His plan. All that is left now is for man to receive Christ by faith. I believe that is God’s ultimate motive, to restore His divine life (in the person of Jesus) to all those who would receive Him by faith.
22 “Men of Israel, listen to these words: Jesus the Nazarene, a man attested to you by God with miracles and wonders and signs which God performed through Him in your midst, just as you yourselves know— 23 this Man, delivered over by the predetermined plan and foreknowledge of God, you nailed to a cross by the hands of godless men and put Him to death. 24 “But God raised Him up again, putting an end to the agony of death, since it was impossible for Him to be held in its power. Acts 2.22-24
A word of encouragement – Let your hope (confident expectation) and faith be in God the Father and His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and nothing more. All else will fail!
Additional Notes for selected verses:
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V1~ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found?
“our forefather according to the flesh,” – Paul uses this phrase to distinguish between Abraham’s physical descendants and his spiritual descendants.
“has found?” - the truth about justification/righteousness that God had revealed to Abraham?
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V2~ For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, But not before God.
Paul begins to explain why Abraham was NOT justified by works (keeping the Law).
“if” – in this context, it may be better understood to say, “assuming Abraham was justified by works, …”.
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V3~ For what does the Scripture say? "ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."
Genesis 15:6 -Speaking about Abram (before his name was changed to Abraham). This passage from Genesis is also quoted in Romans 4:9, 22; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23.
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V4-5~ Now to the one who works, his wage is not credited as a favor, But as what is due. 5 But to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness,
“favor” – charis (Gr) – more often translated as “grace”.
“believes” – pisteuo (Gr) - from pistis; to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by implication to entrust (especially one's spiritual well-being to Christ): - believe (-r), commit (to trust), put in trust with. Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
“in Him” - speaks of Christ and his redemptive work at the cross.
“who justifies” – the one who declares a person innocent of his sin debt, and therefore, righteous.
“the ungodly,” – the unregenerate, i.e., those who are not yet born again.
“faith” – see “Additional Notes” on Romans 3:22.
“credited” – logizomai (Gr)
Word Study – “credited” from Greek word logizomai - -middle from (logos); to take an inventory, i.e. estimate (literal or figurative): - conclude, (ac-) count (of), + despise, esteem, impute, lay, number, reason, reckon, suppose, think (on). Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Logizomai was used in early secular documents as follows -- “put to one’s account," "let my revenues be placed on deposit at the storehouse", "I now give orders generally with regard to all payments actually made or credited to the government.” Thus, God put to Abraham's account, placed on deposit for him, credited to him, righteousness. The actual payment had not been made, the actual bestowal of righteousness had not been consummated, and for the reason that our Lord had not yet paid the penalty of man's sin and had not yet been raised from the dead. Abraham possessed righteousness in the same manner as a person would possess a sum of money placed in his account in a bank. Since the resurrection, Old Testament saints share with New Testament believers the possession of Christ as the righteousness in which they stand, guiltless and righteous for time and for eternity. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament –
(logizomai from lógos = reason, word, account) means to reckon, compute, calculate, to take into account, to deliberate, and to weigh. Logizomai refers to a process of careful study or reasoning which results in the arriving at a conclusion. Logizomai conveys the idea of calculating or estimating.
Logizomai was a term frequently used in the business community of Paul's day and meant to impute (put to one's account) or credit to one's account.
Logizomai is related to our English term logic (which deals with the methods of valid thinking, reveals how to draw proper conclusions from premises and is a prerequisite of all thought). preceptaustin.org
God’s economy is completely different from man’s. This example is often difficult for men to understand. It is hard to believe that someone would just give us something for nothing (that’s what grace does); thus, men continually try to perform to earn God’s favor. But God justifies and declares a person righteous, not because of his good works, but because of his faith. God’s favor (grace) can never be earned, only received! We come to Christ with nothing but our sin. Consider Luke 5:27-32; Ephesians 2:4-9.
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V9~ Is this blessing then on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say, "FAITH WAS CREDITED TO ABRAHAM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS."
“the circumcised,” – a phrase used to refer to the Jews. Most Jews believed that it was their keeping the Law that made them right with God. Circumcision was included in the Old Covenant Law.
“the uncircumcised” – a phrase used to refer to the Gentiles who were not given the Law.
The Jews tended to see all people as circumcised or uncircumcised.
Circumcision means “to cut off”.
Physical circumcision is something that man does. God established a covenant between himself and Abraham (Genesis 15). He then commanded Abraham and his descendants to be circumcised as a sign of this covenant (Genesis 17). When God initiated this covenant (known as the Abrahamic Covenant), he promised Abram that He would multiply his seed exceedingly and that he would be the father of a “multitude of nations”. Then God changed Abram’s name to Abraham, which means “father of a great multitude”. God then added that this covenant would not only be with himself and Abraham, but also with Abraham’s seed.
The rite of physical circumcision was also a part of the Mosaic Law that was given to Israel several hundred years later (Leviticus 12:3). The Mosaic Law contained instructions for every detail of their lives. They were to live their lives differently from the rest of the world for they were God’s holy people. Holy means “to be set apart”. Keep in mind that living by a written code only changed external behavior. It could not produce a new heart or give life. You might also take a look at Galatians chapters 5 - 6 and Philippians chapter 3.
There is also a spiritual circumcision mentioned in the bible. Those who receive Christ by faith have their old hearts removed and replaced with new hearts (Ezekiel 36:26). I believe that this removal (cutting off) of our old evil heart (and nature) is what the bible refers to as “circumcision which is of the heart” (Romans 2:28-29). This circumcision of the heart is what happens when we are baptized into Christ’s death (see Romans chapter 6). Circumcision of the heart is a work done by the Holy Spirit. It is the indwelling Holy Spirit that changes us from the inside out, and gives us the power to live differently from the rest of the world! We do not live by a written law, for the law kills, but it is the Holy Spirit that gives life (2 Cor. 3:1-6)! Our changed lives are now the sign of the New Covenant relationship that was initiated by the blood of Jesus. Amen!
It is important to note that the rite of physical circumcision did not then, nor does it now make a person righteous before God. Righteousness is by faith alone. However, many Jews believed then, and still do today, that physical circumcision is a work that merits salvation (righteousness). This was a major point of contention in the early church (Acts 15) as they struggled to live free from the Law and embrace the teachings of the New Covenant in Christ! R. Moffett
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V10~ How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, But while uncircumcised;
Paul asks the question, “How then was it (righteousness) credited (to Abraham)?”
“How” – in what way; after (by) what manner (means); Strong's Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
What Paul is really asking is, when was righteousness credited to Abraham? Was it before or after he was circumcised? As he usually does, Paul answers his own questions. Righteousness was credited to Abraham while he was uncircumcised, i.e., before he was circumcised.
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V11-12~ and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, So that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, But who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised.
v11- “and he” - still talking about Abraham.
V11 – “a seal of the righteousness” –
“seal” – semeion (Gr) – a mark, indication, or token used to distinguish, authenticate, certify, or confirm a person or thing. In a manner, it is a guarantee of the genuineness of a thing.
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V13~ For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, But through the righteousness of faith.
A more accurate translation stresses that the promise was “not through the law”. Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) reflects this –
13 For not through law is the promise to Abraham, or to his seed, of his being heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith; Romans 4:13 (YLT)
Also, note that the article “the” before the word “law” is not in the original. However, all law living is the same, whether it is attempting to live by the Ten Commandments or any self-imposed requirement you place on yourself. Law living can be characterized by man’s self-effort to achieve some standard of living to gain favor with God. Simply, law living is an achieving system, i.e., some work of man. The point of this chapter is that righteousness comes by faith and not, as most Jews believed, by anything that man does. The example used throughout this chapter is circumcision.
Ask yourself, “Am I trusting in anything other than Christ to gain acceptance by God?” If the answer is yes, you are likely on a performance treadmill; and that will never produce life, only fatigue.
Is the Law then contrary to the promises of God? May it never be! For if a law had been given which was able to impart life, then righteousness would indeed have been based on law. Galatians 3.21
Note – This first part of this verse in Galatians 3:21 may seem contradictory to what is being said in this 4th chapter of Romans. The Law was never given to bring life or to make righteous the person who attempted to obey it. It was given to show that man could not live up to God’s holy standard (keep the Law), and thus revealed his sinfulness and therefore, his need of a savior. While the Law had a specific purpose, it was never intended to bring salvation to mankind. We are saved “by faith” and then we are to live “by faith”. The new man in Christ has no relationship to the Law. As we will see in chapter seven, we have died to the Law!
Therefore the Law has become our tutor to lead us to Christ, so that we may be justified by faith. Galatians 3.24
“promise” – epaggello (Gr) - an announcement (for information, assent or pledge; especially a divine assurance of good): - message, promise. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
The promises that God gave to Abraham
God made many promises to Abram (later changed to Abraham). These promises are often repeated throughout the Bible. And in some places, they are repeated with more detail than in others.
We first see the interaction between God and Abram in Genesis chapter 12. God commands Abram to leave his homeland and family and journey to a new place that God would show him. It is at this time that God first announces his promises to Abram (Genesis 12:2-3). A short time later, God initiates a covenant with Abram (Genesis 15) and repeats many of these same promises.
A. Here are the promises God first makes to Abram –
I will make you a great nation - Genesis 12:2
I will bless you - Genesis 12:2
I will make your name great - Genesis 12:2
You will be a blessing - Genesis 12:2
I will bless those who bless you and curse those who curse you - Genesis 12:3
In you all the families of the earth will be blessed - Genesis 12:3 (repeated in Genesis 22:18, but worded slightly different – “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed, …”)
To your seed, I will give this land (the land of Canaan - Genesis12:7)
I will give the land to you and your seed forever. I will make your seed as the dust of the earth – Genesis 13:15-16
Count the stars... so shall your seed be - Genesis 15:5
I will establish My covenant between Me and you, And I will multiply you exceedingly. - Genesis 17:2
I have made you the father of a multitude of nations. - Genesis 17:5
I will greatly bless you, and I will greatly multiply your seed as the stars of the heavens and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your seed shall possess the gate of their enemies. - Genesis 22:17
The promises of God had both a natural (physical) fulfillment as well as a spiritual fulfillment. This is very common with the prophecies from the Old Testament. It is beyond the scope of this writing to discuss the fulfillment of each of God’s promises to Abram in detail.
The ultimate spiritual fulfillment of these promises was the promised seed, Jesus Christ, who brings new life to all those who will receive him by faith. In Romans chapter four, the word promise is always singular and thus refers to the promised seed (Christ), who would come through the lineage of Abraham.
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3.29 (KJV)
“seed” – sperma (Gr) - from (speiro); something sown, i.e. seed (including the male “sperm”); by implication offspring; specially a remnant (figurative as if kept over for planting): - issue, seed. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
The Greek word for “seed” is also translated oftentimes as “descendant(s)”.
Word Study –seed
The word “seed” has a variety of different uses in the bible and can be difficult to understand. And to make matters more confusing, it is often debated as to whether the word is used in the singular or the plural. The context of any word is always a great clue as to its meaning and whether it is singular or plural, however, with the word “seed”, it can still be difficult to discern. The word “seed”, although singular, can be used as a collective noun*, thus referring to more than one person, place or thing. So, it can appear singular in form, but plural in its use. R. Moffett
*Collective nouns are words for single things that are made up of more than one person, animal, place, thing, or idea. You can’t have a team without individual members; even so, we discuss a team as a single entity. http://www.gingersoftware.com/content/grammar-rules/nouns/collective-nouns/
The first mention of a “promised seed” appeared to Adam and Eve just after they sinned in the Garden of Eden. God announced to the serpent (Satan) that, from the seed of the woman (Eve), would come the one who would defeat him (Satan).
I will put enmity Between you and the woman, And between your seed and her seed; He shall bruise you on the head, And you shall bruise him on the heel”. Genesis 3.15
This promised seed would come through the lineage of Abram. And as we know, this promise was of the coming Messiah (Jesus Christ), who would defeat the serpent (Satan) and bring salvation to all who would receive him by faith.
Now the promises were spoken to Abraham and to his seed. He does not say, "And to seeds," as referring to many, but rather to one, "And to your seed," that is, Christ. Galatians 3.16
And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham's descendants, heirs according to promise. Galatians 3.29
What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. Galatians 3.17
Bob Deffinbaugh* states - The Old Testament prophecies concerning the “seed” seemed contradictory. The term “seed” sometimes applied to the nation Israel or certain faithful Israelites, while at other times it referred to God’s Servant, the Messiah. And so, in the Abrahamic covenant, the “seed” of Abraham referred to both the recipient of God’s blessings and the instrument of His blessings. From The Promised Seed: The Source of Blessing in God's Perfect Plan
*Robert L. (Bob) Deffenbaugh graduated from Dallas Theological Seminary with his Th.M. in 1971. Bob is a retired pastor/teacher and elder at Community Bible Chapel in Richardson, Texas,
To whom was the promise made?
“to Abraham or to his descendants” -
“descendants”- literally “seed”. References to Abraham’s “seed” is ultimately referring to Christ (e.g., Galatians 3:16); however, here it appears to be talking about Abraham’s spiritual descendants (seed), i.e., those who are “in Christ”.
6 Not as though the word of God hath taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: 7 Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall thy seed be called. 8 That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9.6-8 (KJV)
What was the promise?
To become “heir of the world” -
“heir” – kleronomos (Gr) - from kleros (Gr) and the base of nomos (Gr) (in its original sense of partitioning, i.e. [reflexive] getting by apportionment); a sharer by lot, i.e. an inheritor (literal or figurative); by implication a possessor: - heir. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
There are many ideas about what this phrase means. This language was not used on any occasion where the promises of God to Abram were mentioned. I’m not sure exactly what Paul meant here, but I believe becoming an “heir of the world” is the gift that is received by all those who have put their faith in Christ (the promised seed).
Consider the following verses –
16 The Spirit Himself testifies with our spirit that we are children of God, 17 and if children, heirs also, heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him so that we may also be glorified with Him. Romans 8.16-17
And if ye be Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise.” Galatians 3.29 (KJV)
giving thanks to the Father, who has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints in Light. Colossians 1.12
For this reason He is the mediator of a new covenant, so that, since a death has taken place for the redemption of the transgressions that were committed under the first covenant, those who have been called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance. Hebrews 9.15
How is the promise received?
Again, it was not through the Law, but “through the righteousness of faith.” We are declared righteous by faith and thus are the spiritual descendants of Abraham.
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V14~ For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified;
“if” – assumed to be true for the sake of discussion.
“those who are of the Law” – probably referring to the Jews, as most of them attempted to keep the Law as a means to gain favor with God; however, it would also apply to anyone who attempts to keep the Law or perform any religious activity to gain favor with God.
“are heirs” – as in the previous verse, Paul refers to “heirs”. Most likely he is talking about the salvation, (i.e., being declared righteous) that God promised through Jesus Christ.
“faith is made void” –
“void” – kenoo (Gr) – from (kenos); to make empty, i.e. (figurative) to abase, neutralize, falsify: - make (of none effect, of no reputation, void), be in vain. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary.
Faith has no effect as to a person being declared righteous and “the promise is nullified” –
“promise” – the promise of the coming seed, Jesus Christ.
“nullified” – katargeo (Gr) - from (kata) and (argeo); to be (render) entirely idle (useless), literal or figurative: - abolish, cease, cumber, deliver, destroy, do away, become (make) of no (none, without) effect, fail, loose, bring (come) to nought, put away (down), vanish away, make void. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
Faith and law living are mutually exclusive. Paul, speaking to the church at Galatia, declared that “the Law is not of faith” (Galatians 3:12).
17 What I am saying is this: the Law, which came four hundred and thirty years later, does not invalidate a covenant previously ratified by God, so as to nullify the promise. 18 For if the inheritance is based on law, it is no longer based on a promise; but God has granted it to Abraham by means of a promise. Galatians 3.17-18
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V15~ For the Law brings about wrath, But where there is no law, there also is no violation.
“the Law brings about wrath,” – literally, “keeps on producing wrath”. Why? Because no person can keep the Law.
The Law not only brings God’s wrath, but it also stirs up (arouses) sin (Romans 7).
“but where there is no law, there also is no violation.” –
Paul is contrasting living under the Law which brings wrath with no law at all, thus no violation.
“violation” – parabasis (Gr) - better translated as “transgression”, which means – an overstepping – as in a breaking of a law. Thus, if there is no clearly defined law, then there can be no breaking or violation of it. For more on this subject, see “Additional Notes” on Romans 5:13
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V16~ For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, So that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, 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,
“this reason” – What reason? That the law brings wrath.
“it” – We must go back to v14 – “it” refers to the inheritance that God promised.
“by faith” – the promised inheritance is by faith (the primary subject of this chapter).
“in order that it may be in accordance with grace,” – the promised seed (Christ) that provides the inheritance of salvation is granted to us by God’s grace. Grace can never be earned, it is a gift of God given in his Son, Jesus Christ. Read Paul’s comments to the church at Ephesus – Eph. 1:1-14.
“so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants <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,” – Abraham is the spiritual father of all who have faith in the promised seed (Gal. 3:29). Since Abraham is the physical father of the Jews, Paul continues to hold him up as an example of righteousness by faith.
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V17~ (as it is written, "A FATHER OF MANY NATIONS HAVE I MADE YOU") in the presence of Him whom he believed, even God, who gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.
Paul repeats one of the promises of God to Abraham. Remember, these promises to Abraham had both a natural/physical fulfillment, as well as a spiritual fulfillment.
“in the presence of Him whom he believed,” – Abraham was in the presence of God when these promises were made.
“even God” – now Paul reminds his readers of God’s unlimited power, i.e., the one who can keep His promises!
“who gives life to the dead” – could be referring to Christ’s resurrection, or Abraham’s and Sarah’s bodies, which were as good as dead (concerning their ability to produce a child – see v19).
“and calls into being that which does not exist. “– I prefer a different translation of this phrase.
Better translation – “calls those things which be not as though they are”. What Paul is saying here is that God speaks of things that He knows will come to pass as though they have already occurred, although they have not yet happened. For example, God told Abraham that he had made (past tense) him a father of many nations, even though Abraham did not yet have a son.
It may be helpful to know that God is not contained within time; and because man is contained in time, it is difficult for us to comprehend.
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V18~ In hope against hope he believed, So that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken, "SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE."
“hope” – not the hope of uncertainty, but rather a confident expectation.
Word Study - hope - Eagerly look forward to; assured expectation, confident knowledge, inward possession, spiritual surety, hope. Practical Word Studies in The New Testament
“In hope against hope he believed,” – Abraham had hope (confident expectation) in God’s promise.
“so that he might become a father of many nations according to that which had been spoken,
"SO SHALL YOUR DESCENDANTS BE." (quote from Genesis 15:5) - identifies a logical consequence or conclusion.
Abraham’s faith in what God had declared resulted in him becoming the father of many nations.
So faith comes from hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ. Romans 10.17
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V19~ Without becoming weak in faith he contemplated his own body, now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;
“Without becoming weak in faith” – Despite all the logical evidence to the contrary, Abraham’s faith in God’s promises did not fail.
“he contemplated his own body,” –
“contemplated - "to understand fully, consider closely," Vine's Expository Dictionary
Abraham fully understood the situation from a human perspective.
“now as good as dead since he was about a hundred years old, and the deadness of Sarah's womb;” - Abraham and Sarah were just too old to have a child.
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V20~ yet with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief but grew strong in faith, giving glory to God,
“with respect to the promise of God, he did not waver in unbelief” – As was said above, Abraham’s actions were a result of his faith in God’s promise to him.
“but grew strong in faith,” –
Wayne Barber states - “The word "grew strong" would be better translated as "he was empowered by his faith." It comes from the Greek word dunamis. Dunamis is the word that means ability, power, capability. He had no capability until he put his faith into what God said. Then the capability came. Then the power came.”
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V21~ and being fully assured that what God had promised, He was able also to perform.
“and being fully assured that what God had promised,” –
“fully assured” - from pleres and phoreo; to carry out fully (in evidence), i.e. completely assure (or convince), entirely accomplish: - most surely believe, fully know (persuade), make full proof of. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
W. E. Vine writes that plerophoreo "is used of the accomplished work of the Lord Jesus, Luke 1:1; of the preaching of the gospel, 2 Timothy 4:5, 17; this is the objective use of the word, in these places it is concerned with external things. In Romans 4:21 it describes the grasp by the mind of the promises of God and of His ability to make them good; in Rom.14:5 it is used of the apprehension of the will of God for one’s conduct, see also Colossians 4:12; this is the subjective use of the word, in these places it is concerned with an effect upon the mind (Vine, W. Collected writings of W. E. Vine. Nashville: Thomas Nelson)
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V25~ He who was delivered over because of our transgressions, and was raised because of our justification.
“He” – not in the original Greek.
“who was delivered over” – refers to Christ.
“delivered over” – paradidomi (Gr) - from para and didomi; to surrender, i.e. yield up, entrust, transmit: - betray, bring forth, cast, commit, deliver (up), give (over, up), hazard, put in prison, recommend. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
It is important to note that Jesus willingly surrendered himself to death on a cross.
17 For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18 “No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father. John 10.17-18
But we also read that God the Father gave Jesus up for man’s sake.
He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him over for us all, how will He not also with Him freely give us all things? Romans 8.32
Why did Jesus go to the cross to die?
“because of our transgressions,” – in context, “our transgressions” refers to the sin of all mankind. Adam’s sin in the garden brought sin and death to all mankind. Paul develops this line of reasoning in more detail in chapter five of this letter.
Man’s sin required the payment of death (“the wages of sin is death” Romans 6:23). Jesus willingly went to the cross to pay man’s sin debt!
He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5.21
“and was raised because of our justification.” -
Look at Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) for clarification of this phrase –
who was delivered up because of our offences, and was raised up because of our being declared righteous. Romans 4.25 (YLT)
It was Christ’s death that paid our sin debt so that we could be declared innocent (justified). Before we received Christ by faith (which resulted in our justification), we were spiritually dead to God; but because we are now justified, we are raised with Christ; and we now have a new spirit that is alive to God. Romans chapter six explains this in more detail.
1 And you were dead in the trespasses and sins 2 in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— 3 among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. 4 But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, 5 even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved— 6 and raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, Ephesians 2.1-6 (ESV)
Christ’s resurrection gives us hope (confident expectation) that we too will be resurrected. Christ’s life is eternal and we are now united with Him (Romans 6:3-5), thus we have eternal life.
13 But if there is no resurrection of the dead, not even Christ has been raised; 14 and if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is vain, your faith also is vain. 15 Moreover we are even found to be false witnesses of God, because we testified against God that He raised Christ, whom He did not raise, if in fact the dead are not raised. 16 For if the dead are not raised, not even Christ has been raised; 17 and if Christ has not been raised, your faith is worthless; you are still in your sins. 18 Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished. 1 Corinthians 15.13-18
In addition, Christ’s resurrection is proof of the efficacy of His sacrifice. God has accepted the death of Christ as a satisfactory payment for man’s sin. We are now free from the bondage of death.
1 There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. 2 For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8.1-2 (ESV)
References
1. When Was Abraham Justified?; Lazar, Shawn
2. The Promised Seed: The Source of Blessing in God's Perfect Plan; Deffenbaugh, B.
3. Practical Word Studies in The New Testament
4. Strong's Talking Greek & Hebrew Dictionary
5. Vine's Expository Dictionary
6. The Promises of God To Abraham; Fowler, James
7. Wuest's Word Studies from the Greek New Testament