Abraham's righteousness was counted as a gift through faith, not earned through works.
God's grace is an unmerited gift that calls for reciprocal obedience and allows believers to live righteously.
Deep dives
Abraham and the Justification by Faith
Paul discusses how Abraham was not justified by works, but by faith in God. He emphasizes that Abraham's righteousness was counted to him as a gift, not something earned through his own efforts. Paul asserts that to be righteous is to be blessed, with one's lawless deeds forgiven, sins covered, and the Lord not counting sin against them. He draws a connection to David, who also spoke of the blessing of those whose sins are forgiven. Paul highlights the significance of faith in God's covenant faithfulness and the incongruent grace given to believers, allowing them to respond in reciprocal obedience.
The Concept of Grace and Gift
The discussion turns to the concept of grace and gift in Paul's writings. It is noted that grace and gift share similarities and are often interchanged in Paul's usage. The understanding of grace as unmerited or incongruent is explored, emphasizing that it is not unconditional, but calls for reciprocation from the recipient. It is explained that the grace of God's righteousness is given to believers so they may live righteously in response. The parable of the workers in the vineyard is referenced as an illustration of incongruent grace, where all workers receive the same wage regardless of the time worked.
The Blessing of Forgiveness and Righteousness
Paul quotes from Psalm 32, invoking the words of David to emphasize the blessedness of those whose transgressions are forgiven, sins covered, and whose lawless deeds are not counted against them. He highlights the act of confession and repentance as the path to receiving God's forgiveness and righteousness. Paul underscores the contrast between inherent lawlessness and God's gift of restoration, wherein believers experience the reciprocal relationship of grateful obedience to the covenant-keeping God.
Counting Sin and Remembering God's Faithfulness
Paul emphasizes that God does not count believers' sins against them, showcasing the depth of divine forgiveness and justification. It is explained that while believers need not dwell on past sins in terms of guilt, it is important to remember them with gratitude, recognizing the immense love and grace extended by God through Christ. The discussion closes by reaffirming the significance of counting past transgressions as a means to marvel at God's mercy and to guard against presumption, fostering a continual posture of gratitude and reliance on God's faithfulness.
Jen Wilkin, JT English, and Kyle Worley continue their discussion in the book of Romans by looking at Romans 4:1-8.
Questions Covered in This Episode:
So the church hears that everyone is broken and everyone has fallen short and Paul predicts the question from the Jewish Christians: What about Abraham?
What role did Abraham play in Israel’s story? Why invoke his name here?
Paul pulls Abraham into the justification question: Why?
What did Abraham believe? (V.3)
Let’s talk about the fundamental difference between faith and works. Talk about “gift” language...
Then we get a David name drop (V.6): What was David’s significance in Israel’s story? Why is invoking his name a big deal?
Helpful Definitions:
Unmerited Gift: You cannot earn it, undeserved, or incongruent: doesn’t line up with what you have done, its disproportionate. Once we have received this grace that we do not deserve and we cannot earn it’s supposed to have an impact on us. Its unconditional but not without hope for impact or reciprocity.
Unconditional Gift: A gift given without any conditions.
Righteous -> Blessed: To have one’s lawless deeds forgiven, sins covered, and that the Lord will not count your sin against you.
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