Romans · Chapter 4

Verses 1–12

To meet the views of the Jews, the apostle first refers to the example of Abraham, in whom the Jews gloried as their most renowned forefather. However exalted in various respects, he had nothing to boast in the , being saved by , through faith, even as others. Without noticing the years which passed before his call, and the failures at times in his obedience, and even in his faith, it was expressly stated in Scripture that “he believed God, and it was counted to him for ,” Ge 15:6. From this example it is observed, that if any man could work the full measure required by the law, the reward must be reckoned as a debt, which evidently was not the case even of Abraham, seeing faith was reckoned to him for . When believers are by faith, “their faith being counted for ,” their faith does not them as a part, small or great, of their ; but as the appointed means of uniting them to Him who has chosen as the name whereby he shall be called, “the Lord our .” Pardoned people are the only blessed people. It clearly appears from the Scripture, that Abraham was several years before his circumcision. It is, therefore, plain that this rite was not necessary in order to . It was a sign of the original corruption of human nature. And it was such a sign as was also an outward seal, appointed not only to confirm God's promises to him and to his seed, and their obligation to be the Lord's, but likewise to assure him of his being already a real partaker of the of faith. Thus Abraham was the spiritual forefather of all believers, who walked after the example of his obedient faith. The seal of the Holy Spirit in our , making us new creatures, is the inward evidence of the of faith.

Verses 13–22

The promise was made to Abraham long before the law. It points at Christ, and it refers to the promise, Ge 12:3. In Thee shall all families of the earth be blessed. The law worketh wrath, by showing that every is exposed to the Divine displeasure. As God intended to give men a title to the promised blessings, so he appointed it to be by faith, that it might be wholly of , to make it sure to all who were of the like precious faith with Abraham, whether Jews or , in all ages. The and salvation of sinners, the taking to himself the who had not been a people, were a gracious calling of things which are not, as though they were; and this giving a being to things that were not, proves the almighty power of God. The nature and power of Abraham's faith are shown. He believed God's testimony, and looked for the performance of his promise, firmly hoping when the case seemed hopeless. It is weakness of faith, that makes a man lie poring on the difficulties in the way of a promise. Abraham took it not for a point that would admit of argument or debate. Unbelief is at the bottom of all our staggerings at God's promises. The strength of faith appeared in its victory over fears. God honours faith; and great faith honours God. It was to him for . Faith is a that of all others gives glory to God. Faith clearly is the instrument by which we receive the of God, the which is by Christ; and that which is the instrument whereby we take or receive it, cannot be the thing itself, nor can it be the gift thereby taken and received. Abraham's faith did not him by its own merit or value, but as giving him a part in Christ.

Verses 23–25

The history of Abraham, and of his , was recorded to teach men of after-ages; those especially to whom the gospel was then made known. It is plain, that we are not by the merit of our own works, but by faith in Jesus Christ and his ; which is the truth urged in this and the foregoing chapter, as the great spring and foundation of all comfort. Christ did meritoriously work our and salvation by his death and passion, but the power and perfection thereof, with respect to us, depend on his resurrection. By his death he paid our debt, in his resurrection he received our acquittance, Isa 53:8. When he was discharged, we, in Him and together with Him, received the discharge from the guilt and punishment of all our sins. This last verse is an abridgement or summary of the whole gospel.