Romans Chapter 4

Theme: Salvation by Faith

• Many people believe in salvation by faith, but not by faith alone.

• Paul demonstrates that salvation is by faith alone, not by any works of man.

V.1-6: Abraham and David Justified by faith

• By pointing to Abraham and David, Paul illustrates how stupid the notion of salvation by works is.

• In Abraham, Paul shows a saint who was saved by faith, not works

• In David, Paul shows a sinner who was not excluded, but was saved by faith.

• If Abraham could not be saved by works, no one could.

V.2: People like to Glory in their own works, but this does not impress God

V.4: A man who trusts in his works only builds up debt.

• Under works, everything depends on the sinner.

• Under grace, everything depends on the savior.

• Under works, God gives a fair trial.

• Under grace, God gives a free pardon.

• One must first plead guilty.

• One who pleads not guilty can only hope for a fair trial

V.7-8: In referring to David, Paul references David’s own writings in Psalm 32:1-2.

V.9-12: Abraham justified before circumcision

• Those who trust in religion are just as lost as those who trust in works.

• no religious observances are necessary for salvation.

• God’s covenant with Abraham already existed before his circumcision, Abraham simply believed.

• Don’t trust in religion. (Paul lost his religion when he got saved, are you ready to lose yours?)

V.13-18: The promise granted through faith

• The only valid rule for salvation is the rule of faith.

• Salvation is an unconditional promise, guaranteed by the faithfulness of God (Galatians 3:17-18)

• The law had to do with a redeemed people who were already in a covenant relationship with God, and was aimed at securing their health, happiness and holiness as God’s people.

V.14: Salvation by works nullifies faith.

V.15-16: The outcome of the law is condemnation, it reveals sin.

• Those who are saved by grace are not under the law; therefore, their sin is no longer remembered.

• It is of faith (V.16)

V.17-22: The principle of faith

• His faith was in a God who gives life to the dead.

• Abraham’s case was hopeless, but it was put in God’s hands.

• He believed by exercising faith in God’s promise. (4:19-20)

• He believed by exercising faith in God’s power. (4:21-22)

V.23-24a: God’s method for Abraham is God’s method for us.

V.24b: Romans 10:9 (confess w/your mouth, believe in your heart)

V.25: Jesus is the only way

John 14:6 (NKJV) 6Jesus said to him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.

• Salvation is by faith and faith alone.

• Are you ready to lose your religion and trust Christ?