Grace Offered to All.

In the church of Rome, the religious element was asking questions about the Gospel and good works. Paul is answering for anyone who came from a religious background that emphasized good works.

Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

In Christ, someone else did all the work for you and you get the credit. David said in Psalm 32:1, “Blessed is the man whose sin God does not take into account.”

Is the blessing for the circumcised and the uncircumcised?

Yes, because the blessing is received by faith alone!

Abraham received the blessing of God long before he was circumcised.

How did circumcision affect things? It is a confirmation of the work of faith in one’s heart. God has always intended for faith to proceed works.

Abraham was a Gentile long before he was a Jew! Long before he was father to a nation, God promised to make him a spiritual father to the world.

The Law was given to us as a reminder that we can’t keep God's law. Christ’s work changes the situation because, even if you fail, God does not put that on your account. He looks at the Perfect Lawkeeper, Jesus Christ, and sees you as keeping that Law.

We have been labeled with the righteousness of Christ. Race and culture don’t matter anymore.

The way to God in Christ has never changed. Through all millennia, it has always remained the same for all people.

No matter how deep the cultural ties, the religious tradition, or the family associated with those, God only sees two types of people: those who have accepted Christ and those who have not. We are all unified in Christ!

Below is the outline for our next section of study:

• Introduction: Raising Initial Questions (Romans 4:1-2)
• Our Righteousness By Faith Not Works (Romans 4:3-12)
• Our Promise By Grace and Not By Keeping the Law (Romans 4:13-16)
• Our Progeny By Faith (Romans 4:17-21)
• Conclusion (Romans 4:22-25)