Justification by Grace #

Romans 4:9-16

Introduction

In this chapter we will look at the fact that Justification is by faith, not works (1-8), Justification is by grace, not law (9-17) and Justification is by Resurrection power not human effort (18-25).

Once again, the central theme is going to be around Abraham. To the Jews, he is their Father. There is no doubt, they occupy a special place in history, the Bible, and to God. They ARE God’s chosen people. We don’t replace that. However, because of that status, they struggled to understand how Salvation could be open to all!

I. Time of Righteousness (9-10) #

A. Righteousness by faith (9) #

1. This was covered in Romans 4:1-8 #

So it is now undisputed that Abraham was justified, and therefore righteous, however, the question then becomes, When?
What was he declared righteous? - Perhaps it was after the working of the law, and thus was he declared righteous.

2. As Abraham's righteousness was given to him, so it is with our salvation. #

B. Received before (10) #

1. Genesis 15 the Promise and declaration was made... #

This had taken place early on (before Ishmael)

Gen. 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Ishmael is born in chapter 16

2. Genesis 17 Circumcision was not required till some 14 years later! #

C. Timing, solely based on Abrahams faith, and GRACE #

1. This was God's granting to Abraham what he didn't deserve! #

Abraham by simple faith, believed God!

2. I'm grateful for God blessing man with what we don't deserve! #

How many blessings do we have that God has blessed us with that we don’t deserve?? - All of them

II. Sign of the Righteousness (11) #

A. Seal of circumcision #

1. Big deal of circumcision #

Gen. 17:10 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised.

2. Covenant is a big deal! #

2Pet. 3:9 ¶ The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

- Example Rainbow is a big deal

Gen. 9:12 ¶ And God said, This is the token of the covenant which I make between me and you and every living creature that is with you, for perpetual generations: 13 I do set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be for a token of a covenant between me and the earth.

B. Seal of the Holy Spirit #

Eph. 1:13 In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise,

1. Eternal Security #

Eph. 4:30 And grieve not the holy Spirit of God, whereby ye are sealed unto the day of redemption.

III. Promise of Righteousness (13-15) #

A. Promise through faith (13) #

1. Not just to Abraham, not just to the Jews... #

Gen. 12:1 ¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father’s house, unto a land that I will shew thee: 2 And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: 3 And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.

B. Not limited to the law (14-15*) #

We would all be bound to the law of the OT for salvation if that were the case.

IV. Grace of Righteousness (16-17) #

A. Of faith, by Grace (16) #

1. Grace - the free unmerited love and favor of God #

You cannot earn the love and favor of God.

B. Applied to All (16) #

1. There are those who would have you believe ONLY God's elect can be saved... this verse clearly shows it is open to ALL! #

2. “many nations” (17) #

It is not limited to Israel, or a select few, it is offered to all people, of every race!

Eph. 2:8 For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: 9 Not of works, lest any man should boast.