A Study of The Book of Romans

Lesson 25 Chapter 4:1 – 5

 

  1. Verse 1 “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?”
    1. This is another question. Paul was asked several in chapter 3 and here in Chapter 4 it continues.
    2. Paul has been asked several question, why is unclear, was this from a certain Jew or is he just attempting to answer some Jews in this church? The answer is not clear, although they have all been excellent question and Paul’s answers have clearly put to bed the thought of salvation by works.
    3. We will look at two Old Testament men and two greater examples could not have been selected by the Lord.  Abraham the Father of Israel and King David who was a great Jew and whose throne Jesus will sit on here on earth during His 1000 year reign on this earth.
    4. The first part of the question “What shall we say” is a “gotcha” question. This question was based one a certainty that Abraham was justified by works.
    5. “Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?” The word “flesh” here means - pertaining to – and I have doubt that that is the reference here. Abraham is our ancestor; the father and founder of our nation.
    6. “hath found?” I believe this statement is “he (Abraham our nations father) had found salvation outside of grace and faith only. 
  2. Verse 2 “For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.”
    1. Paul’s answer is, if Abraham was justified by faith he has reason to boast, but not before God, because salvation does not include works of any sort.
    2. If Abraham was justified by works, he might regard himself as the author of his justification, and take the praise to himself but not if he was saved by grace and faith as described in Ephesians 2:8 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God:” or in Romans 4:16 “Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace…”
    3. Philippians 3:9 - 8 “And be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith:” (8.)  Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,”
    4. The scripture can not be clearer on this subject.
  3. Verse 3 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
    1. The scripture never declares Abraham nor anyone else was ever justified by works or that works are any part of salvation. Works removes grace and the glory of God.
    2. What has the scriptures concluded about Abrahams justification? Genesis 15:6 “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.”
    3. The Jamieson, Fausset, Brown Commentary said; “Arminians make this to mean that God accepted Abraham’s act of believing as a substitute for complete obedience. But this is inconsistency with the whole spirit and letter of the apostle’s teaching. Throughout this whole argument, faith is set in direct opposition to works, in the matter of justification”
    4. “Abraham believed God” The object of Abrahams faith and trust was not his riches, nor his righteousness, but Jehovah, the Son of God, the second person in the Trinity.”
    5. The word “counted” means – concluded
  4. Verse 4 Paul continues in speaking about works for salvation. “Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.”
    1. Grace means unmerited or unearned favor, if salvation is an unmerited or unearned favor then how can one ever insert works into it. Works would remove the word grace.
    2.  Romans 9:30 - 32 “What shall we say then? That the Gentiles, which followed not after righteousness, have attained to righteousness, even the righteousness which is of faith. (31.)  But Israel, which followed after the law of righteousness, hath not attained to the law of righteousness. (32.)  Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone;”
    3. Romans 11:5 - 6 "Even so then at this present time also there is a remnant according to the election of grace. (6.) And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.
    4.  “him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.” The word “reward” means pay for services, salvation is not a job or a work or a labor, and it is not a reward but rather a gift. This is why works destroys grace. 
    5. We earn rewards for works done after salvation not for salvation; the Arminian world is very confused on these two subjects. 
  5. Verse 5 “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”
    1. Paul says we are justified the same way Abraham was, by faith.
    2. This does not mean we never work, just that we do not labor for salvation.
    3. It is Jesus Christ that justifies the ungodly. Romans 5:6 “For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly.”