Justification By Faith Series

4. If it were possible, Abraham wouldn't have been affirmed by God -- God doesn't affirm human works

c. Romans 4:3, "For what does the Scripture say? 'Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.'"

i. How does Paul interpret Genesis 15:6 in this context?

ii. Paul cites Genesis 15:6 to demonstrate that Abraham was not justified by works but he believed (the operative factor -- not law or works) God

iii. What is the special meaning of the word "imputed" here and in 4:9, 10, 22, 23?

iv. Imputed/Reckoned -- (logizomai) -- 4:3, 9, 10, 22, 23 & Galatians 3:6

v. Bookkeeping/accounting term -- to credit, to transfer to one's account

vi. Abraham made a deposit of faith and God credited his account with righteousness – just as if you were morally obedient

vii. Galatians points out that this happened 430 years before the Law and 14 years before circumcision

1. Is the moral condition of the individual actually changed here?

viii. This belief doesn't produce a moral change in the individual

ix. It just puts you into a right relationship with God

x. Regeneration and sanctification produce a moral change

xi. Justification must be for sinners

d. Romans 4:9-10, "Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised."

i. What is the meaning of "circumcision" in this context?

1. Being uncircumcised, Abraham didn't represent the Jews at this time, but the Gentiles

2. Abraham was an unjustified, Gentile pagan when God justified him

3. Genesis 15:6, "Abraham believed God"

4. Genesis 17:10-14, 23-24, "Abraham was circumcised" (14 years later)

5. Neither the law nor circumcision has anything to do with justification

6. Was Abraham justified while circumcised?

7. Abraham was justified while uncircumcised

e. Romans 4:11-12, "And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised."

i. What does Paul see as the true significance of circumcision in this context?

ii. Paul sees the meaning of circumcision not as creating the covenant but as a sign/seal of the covenant made by faith

iii. The covenant was a transfer of righteousness based on Abraham's faith (14 years earlier than circumcision)

iv. Is Abraham the "father" of the circumcision only?

1. NO. Abraham is the father of everyone who believes.

v. Abraham is the father of the circumcision, but not only of the circumcision, but also the father of the uncircumcision, those who have faith like Abraham had.

II. David (Romans 4:5-8)

a. Romans 4:5, "But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness."