Writing to the church in Rome, a church made up of converted Jews and gentile converts, Paul continues to affirm that salvation only comes through faith. Paul brings us back to the law, having not mentioned it since the start of chapter 3. His purpose is to teach us that if we live by the law we will be judged by the law. The problem is none of us can ever keep the full law. Therefore, if we can't depend on the law to save us we need to have faith in God through Jesus Christ.
To cement his argument Paul draws our attention once again to the father of the Jews, Abraham. He wants us to know that because of Abraham the gospel is extended to the gentiles and is truly known as the father of us all.
Paul concludes by assuring us that it is faith alone that saves us, the same faith Abraham had when faced with trials and the seemingly unchangeable circumstances of his life. But the God who makes promises, keeps them. And this is the God we are invited to place our trust in through Jesus Christ so that we can know our inheritance in heaven for all eternity.
Romans - The heart of the Gospel is a teaching series from Annalong Presbyterian Church. Find out more at www.annalongpc.org/sermons.
