We are justified by the Resurrection power of Jesus Christ, not by human effort: (4:18-25):
It is true that according to the course of nature, there was no hope for the old Patriarch and his wife Sarah to have children. But God is almighty. Against all the fading hope, Abraham kept his hope and believed on the promise of God “so shall your offspring be.”
- Promise: (4:18): Abraham was already 100 years old and Sarah was 90 and she was barren. There were so many reasons for not believing, yet he believed. “That he staged not at the promise” (Rom.4:20) though everything was un-natural and improbable. But his strong faith and unlimited confidence gave glory to God and so that God was able to perform what He had promised. Abraham knew he was already as good as dead and his wife Sarah was barren and passed the age of conception, Abraham did not weaken his faith. It was humanly an impossible situation. Abraham did not waver through unbelief, but he was strengthened in his faith (Gen.17:17).
- The problem: (4:19): Abraham did not weaken his faith because his body was as good as dead. Abraham also knew that Sarah’s womb was also dead. She was unable to conceive a child as she had passed the age of 90 years (Gen.17:17).
- The perseverance: (4:20-22): Abraham did not waver through unbelief, but the patriarch was strengthened in his faith by his trust in God. God caused a miracle to work in the life of Abraham and Sarah physically to generate the child of promise. Abraham gave praise and glory to God by exalting His attributes. Abraham was fully persuaded that God had power to do what He had promised. His faith was unwavering despite so many odds against him. He was not divided in his thinking, but trusting God every time. The perseverance was a special quality which God gives to all when we totally surrender to Him. It is one of the virtue of the fruit of spirit” (Gal.5:22). That’s why it was credited to him as righteousness” (4:22).
- Justified through the resurrection power of Jesus: (4:23-25): In God’s plan Scripture goes as far back as Genesis to bring the Gentiles to His fold. When we believe the exchange takes place. We give Christ our sins and in return He gives us His righteousness and forgiveness. Both the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ are necessary for forgiveness of sins and justification. When God the Father raised Christ from the dead, it was a demonstration that He accepted Christ’s suffering and death as full payment for sin. Father’s wrath is no longer directed to us but His favour rests on us. When we are united with Christ in death and in His resurrection, God’s justification flows upon us. Christ did marvellous work, His passion for souls led Him to death. His perfect resurrection brought the justification and salvation for the whole of humanity.
The apostle Paul finally concludes that in no way that the Old Testament contradict the gospel of salvation by grace through faith, instead the gospel is the fulfilment of the Old Testament, and Abraham was justified through faith alone.
A few questions to answer before we move to next chapter:
- How did the Patriarchs were justified?
- If God saves the wicked, does that allow me to be wicked? (4:5-6).
- What is the seal or evidence of my righteousness? (4:11)
- Does the law have any role in my salvation? (4:14)
- If salvation is guaranteed (verse 16), can I refuse it or lose it?
- Am I discouraged by my own weaknesses? (4:19)
- What evidence do I have that God will save me? (4:24)