Who Justifies? – Romans 4:1-12

the course of our Genesis series, we have taken time to catalogue how future authors of scripture recognize and expound the significance of watershed moments in the course of salvation's history. Naturally as we have reached Genesis 15, in our Old Testament study, we find cause to consider Romans 4 in some detail. In Paul's writings, such as this, we find the declarative statement in Gen 15:6 identifying the basis of Abram's righteousness is absolutely central to the gospel. As Paul visits the altar of Abram – so to speak – he recognizes, affirms, and applies the priceless gem of gospel revelation: Justification by faith alone. However impressive the accomplishments and personality of Abraham might be to us – they are not impressive to God. The foundational appeal of the apostolic witness proclaiming hope of salvation for all time is the call to trust Him who justifies the ungodly (4:5). For those, like Abraham, who do so, their faith – not their works – is counted as righteousness. Our primary text today is an expansion of Paul's preface in Rom 3:27-30. In these passages we discover the relationship between faith and justification, Jew and Gentile, Abraham and his lineage, works and salvation all in the context of God's glory in the salvation of His people. Our text today is framed around several questions answered by covenant revelation to Abraham in Gen 15:6. These questions form our outline for this sermon...