• The Fact of Abraham's Justification by Faith — Rom 4:1-3
• The Explanation of Abraham's Justification by Faith — Rom 4:4-8
  • Exhibit A: Abraham
  • Exhibit B: David
• The Time of Abraham's Justification by Faith — Rom 4:9-12
  • Abraham justified prior to the giving of the rite of circumcision — Rom 4:9-10
    • Abraham was justified fourteen years before circumcision
    • Faith was counted as righteousness
  • Why circumcision was given — Rom 4:11-12
    • It is an outward sign
      • Serves as a seal to authenticate the imputation of righteousness
      • Serves as a reminder of God's promise
    • That Abraham might be the Father of all who believe
      • In Abraham God makes clear the way of justification
      • Abraham is an example of "By Grace Through Faith" to all
      • Abraham is "Father" to all who believe — Jhn 8:36-44
    • The rite of circumcision
      • In itself it is nothing
      • It avails nothing — Gal 5:6; Rom 2:28-29
      • The principle of faith is vital!
• The Relationship of Justification by Faith to the Law — Rom 4:13-16
  • The Promise from Genesis — Rom 4:12-15
    • Land
    • People
    • Savior
    • Heir of the World
  • The Promise was given to Abraham 430 years before the Law was given to Moses — Gal 3:17
  • The Promise was not made through the Law but through the Righteousness of Faith — Rom 4:13
  • The Seed
    • Christ is the Seed of Abraham — Gal 3:16
    • We are the seed by being in Christ
      • We were children of wrath
      • We are now children of faith
  • The Law and Faith do not mix — Rom 4:14
  • The Promise is unconditional — Rom 4:14
  • The Law brings wrath and punishment — Rom 4:15
  • The Promise brings righteousness and inheritance
  • The Law establishes transgression — Rom 4:15
    • Pin-points our sin
    • Makes guilt more evident and obvious
• Justification by Faith Is Guaranteed by Sovereign Grace — Rom 4:16
  • The Promises of God are obtained by faith
    • Not by works
    • Not by law
    • Not by circumcision
    • Not by behavior
  • It is of faith — that it might be by grace
    • Grace is free unmerited favor
    • Grace is given to those who do not deserve it at all
  • Law and works go together
  • Grace and faith go together — Rom 11:6
  • Law is always a matter of merit
  • Grace is always the free gift of God received by faith
  • Salvation is God's glory
    • Anything but faith detracts from His glory
    • Anything but grace promotes boasting
  • Salvation by grace through faith includes all people — Rom 4:16
  • Salvation by grace through faith is complete and secure — Rom 4:16
    • Our salvation depends upon the Character of God and His grace
    • Our salvation never depends upon ourselves, our abilities, our understanding, our goodness or badness — Phl 1:6; Rom 8:38-39; Jhn 10:28

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