Book of Romans Abraham Our Father of Faith
Book of Romans Abraham – Our Father of Faith
Justified by Faith ► Paul uses Abraham, a symbol for the Jews, to illustrate the role of faith in justification ► He calls him “ungodly”, “lawless”, and having “sins” – vs. 5 -7 ► He could not glory in God if justify by works ► He is the antithesis of the “worker” ► “Work” and “obey” are not synonyms ► Justification is for the non-working believer
Father of Israel ► Paul reminds us this was before circumcision – chapters 15 & 17 ► Circumcision was not the basis of his righteousness ► What does that teach about baptism? ► This also was before the Law (of Moses) ► Keeping law nullifies grace and excludes the Gentiles
Shows Faith in Action ► Abraham believed God when he no earthly reason to do so ► Even when God did not fulfill His promise for 20+ years, his faith did not waver ► There are four different events in life of Abraham used by New Testament writers to illustrate this reckoning of faith ► Abraham’s example is a teaching tool
Our Father of Faith ► If Abraham was not considered righteous for his works, then how can I? ► If God declared him to be righteous because he believed the promise of God, then why can’t I? ► If Abraham believed in God, even when the promise was not fulfilled for more than 20 years, then why won’t I?
- Slides: 5