Righteousness Through Faith

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 4:13-25

 

Romans 4:13

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.

(ESV)

 

Please continue praying for the people of Ukraine. Their courage is an inspiration to us all, but they need God’s intervention and a miracle to have victory over the evil unleashed against them. Also, please pray for the people of Russia who do not condone the actions of Vladimir Putin but fear the repercussions of speaking out.

 

In Romans 4:13-25, the Apostle Paul teaches that the promises of God are not realized through one's works of obedience to the law, but by grace with the work done by Jesus on the cross. This does not mean believers are not to strive to live obediently to God’s law but that no amount of obedience to the law of God will result in one receiving justification from sin by God (Isaiah 64:6). Paul uses the example of Abraham and how God counted him righteous not by his obedience to the law through circumcision but by his faith, because the command for him to be circumcised had not occurred yet (Romans 4:11). This passage teaches that,

 

1)      Righteousness by obedience to the law nullifies faith (Romans 4:13-15) – Since the law of God existed before the birth of Christ, justification by obedience to the law would have meant there was no need for Jesus to come since one could achieve a right standing with God through obedience to the law. However, the historical account of the nation of Israel, especially in the book of judges illustrates the failure of the law to bring about salvation. The purpose of the law is to define the righteous standard of God and the consequences of disobedience. The law also defines transgression and that there would be no transgression without the law.

2)      A position of righteousness with God depends on faith (Romans 4:16-25) – Therefore, a position of righteousness is only available through faith. For Abraham, it was faith that God would fulfill his promise of making him the father of many nations even though he and Sarah were beyond the age of having children (Romans 4:19). For those of us living after the death, burial, and resurrection of Christ, faith involves looking back at the finished work of Jesus on the cross and placing our faith that this work of grace covers our sin.

 

In a world that rewards based on achievement, it is normal to believe achievement from God requires effort on our part to realize our salvation and justification from God. However, God’s ways are not like our ways with salvation coming through God’s grace and Jesus’ death on the cross (Ephesians 2:8-9). This, however, does not permit us to continue sinning as an illustration of God’s grace for as believers we are dead to sin and alive in Christ (Romans 6:1-4). The work of grace was providing a position as a righteous child of God through faith (Philippians 3:9). However, a gospel gap exists between our righteous position in Christ and how we live our lives tainted by the flesh. The objective of every believer is to close this gospel gap by losing conformity to the world and sin and allowing God to transform us through His Word and the work of the Holy Spirit (Romans 12:2).       

 

We must ask ourselves a question if the government arrested us for our faith in Jesus Christ, would there be sufficient evidence to convict us of Christianity based upon how we live our lives. While no Christian is perfect, if there is no discernable evidence of change demonstrating a loss of conformity to the world and transformation to a Godlier life, a jury may not be able to return a guilty verdict. Evidence of transformation in the life of a believer is one living a life that bears the fruits of the Holy Spirit for this demonstrates one belonging to Christ that has crucified the flesh with its passions and desires (Galatians 5:22-24).

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

If you just prayed with me, you have a position with God of righteousness and adoption into the family of God. Even though one cannot achieve a position of righteousness by works of obedience to the law, the grace of God is not a blanket excuse to sin but a reason to respond out of love to God for what He has done for us. Living a fruitful life (Galatians 5:22-24) should be evidence of this transformation in one’s life. May God challenge and bless all reading this post.