Justification Demonstrated

Romans 4. Yesterday, Paul defined justification (ch.3). Today he demonstrates it, that is, he gives us an Old Testament illustration of justification (ch.4). Here Paul proves that God always justifies people by faith. [An important thing to note here is the fact that Jewish rabbis always took their arguments back to Abraham.] So Paul, as a Hebrew of Hebrews who used to be a Pharisee himself (see Phil.3:4-6), will utilize this strategy for his defense, "For what does Scriptures say?" (4:3) That's a good lesson for you and me. Whenever we are asked for a moral, ethical, or eternal answer, we should always ask, 'What do the Scriptures say?' 'What does the Bible say?' The Bible is our final authority. It's not what I think or you think. It's what GOD SAYS! Period!

So, what does the Scripture saying concerning justification?
1. Abraham's Faith Was Apart From Works 4:1-8
When was Abraham saved? When God called him from the land of Ur of the Chaldees? When he took his son Isaac up Mount Moriah? No! God declared Abraham righteous when he simply believed God! When is a man saved? When he follows God's call obediently? Or when he offers himself sacrificially? No! A man is saved when he simply says, "Lord, I believe You. I believe what Your Word says, that when I believe in You, turn from my sins and trust in You, then I'm saved and secure!"
2. Abraham's Faith Was Apart From Circumcision 4:9-12
Justification didn't come to Abraham by faith plus circumcision. He believed God before he was ever circumcised. Circumcision did not confer righteousness. It confirmed righteousness. So too, you can be baptized a dozen times but it won't save you if you don't believe in your heart that the work was already done on the cross and that the price is already paid. It's not about your performance. It's what He's already performed. It's not faith plus something. It's faith in Christ and faith alone.
3. Abraham's Faith Was Apart From The Law 4:13-16
Instead it is by grace. Shall we say any more?
4. The Nature of Abraham's Faith 4:17-25
Paul closes with an Analysis of Abraham's Faith (vss.17-22), and the Application of Abraham's Faith (vss.23-25). In fact, let's apply vss.23-25 in a closing prayer:
Prayer:
"Lord, I know this kind of faith wasn't for Abraham alone, but it is also for me; You will accept me as You accepted Abraham. I too believe Your promises that just as You brought Jesus back from the dead, You will forgive all my sins and declare me righteous before You. Jesus, in your powerful name I pray, Amen."