Romans 4. Romans chapter 4 is all about Abraham and his faith. If you are wondering why the Apostle Paul has gone back to Abraham, this is why it is important:

Let’s recount the major figures (and major covenants of scripture), as Dr. Sandra Richter taught us to do with her fantastic study The Epic of Eden. The five major landmark people and covenants, in chronological order, are Adam, Abraham, Moses, David, and Jesus. The Apostle Paul has spent most of the first three chapters of Romans telling us that efforts to keep the law will not make anyone right in God’s eyes. You will recall how the law (the ten commandments and more) was given to Moses and the people of Israel in Exodus, following their exit from slavery in Egypt.

Abraham was before Moses. Abraham lived before the law was given. Yet Abraham was a man of faith and was in a right relationship with God! Abraham believed God and it was counted to him as righteousness (4:3). The promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith (4:13). Thus, it becomes apparent that a right relationship with God is possible through faith, never mind the law. That is why it [being in a right relationship with God, being heirs to the promises of God] depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace… (4:16).

Notice also this amazing statement about the character of God, “… the God in whom [Abraham] believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.” (4:17)

Abraham is one of my favorite characters in the Old Testament. He has deep faith and obeys the clear calling of God, even thru rough times. He does not always get it all right (sometimes you should listen to your wife, sometimes you should not!) but he earnestly loves God. This is a great statement about his faith, “No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised” (4:20). He grew strong in his faith; fully convinced God was capable!

Can we have Abraham be our model for faith this week (and every week)? By faith, we are considered the children of Abraham. Let’s lean into being fully convinced that our God can raise the dead, create something out of nothing, and do what He promised!