READ: Rom. 4:16-25: … also for us … who believe in Him …
It remains of great importance for us too to keep realizing that faith is no merit, but only grace. Only in that way were and are the promises to Abraham fulfilled, in which Gentiles who come to faith in Christ may also share. Thus Abraham is the father of all believers, of both Jewish and Gentile origin. They have become co-heirs (see also Gal. 3:6-9,18).
Paul now goes deeper into the faith that was given to Abraham. How did Abraham show his faith? That is also of great importance for us. Therefore it is written as an example for us (v.24).
Paul points to the great trials that came on Abraham’s path. They were trials from God’s side to test whether his faith was genuine. At the same time they were meant as refinement, so that his faith would grow stronger.
Abraham’s tests of faith are recorded extensively in the Bible to strengthen our faith as well. We first read of them at length in Genesis. In the New Testament they are recalled not only in Rom. but also in Heb. 11.
First came God’s call to leave Ur of the Chaldeans for an unknown land (Heb. 11:8). Then came the barrenness of himself and Sarah, which made it seem impossible that a son would come. Yet Abraham continued to hope in God against all odds. After Isaac’s birth Abraham’s faith was tested to the extreme. Would he continue to hold fast to God’s promises and at the same time obey God’s command to sacrifice his son Isaac?
We read of a glorious testimony of the faith that Abraham showed: “He was fully convinced that what God had promised He was also able to perform.” In Heb. 11:18 it even adds: “He reasoned that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead.”
If we walk in the footsteps of that faith, we too receive justification through faith in Christ!
What is your answer to the question: why do you believe in God?
Sing: Ps. 32:5