JUSTIFICTION BY FAITH APART FROM WORKS HAS ALWAYS BEEN GOD'S UNIVERSAL PLAN OF SALVATION--THE OT EXAMPLE OF ABRAHAM
1. (:1-5) Only Naked Faith Leads to Righteousness Since Any Reliance on Human Achievement Makes Grace Impossible
(the Proof Case of Abraham)
a. Abraham makes for a good proof case
b. Human Achievement cannot contribute to salvation by grace thru faith since it leaves room for boasting
c. The Testimony of the OT is clear
d. Human Achievement cannot contribute to salvation by grace thru faith since it leaves room for obligation
e. Only Naked Faith leads to God imputing righteousness to the undeserving
2. (:6-8) Only the Forgiveness of Sins Brings True Happiness Since Even the Best of Us Can Never Atone for Our Own Failures
(The supporting testimony of David)
a. David makes for a good supporting witness
b. Sin is Inevitable and Works are Inadequate
c. Only the Forgiveness of Sins brings True Happiness
3. (:9-12) Justification Cannot Depend on Religious Rites (Circumcision) Or Be Restricted to Any Special Group (the Jews) Since Faith is God's Universal Plan of Salvation
(Abraham was justified before he was ever circumcised)
(Refutation of doctrine of baptismal regeneration)
4. (:13-17a) Justification Cannot Depend On Obedience to Law Since the Focus of Faith is Always God's Gracious Promises
(Contrast the nature of law with the nature of promise)
