“For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not fulfilled through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. For if they become heirs by the law, faith is empty and the promise is nullified. For the law brings wrath, because where there is no law there is no transgression either. For this reason it is by faith so that it may be by grace, with the result that the promise may be certain to all the descendants—not only to those who are under the law, but also to those who have the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”).He is our father in the presence of God whom he believed—the God who makes the dead alive and summons the things that do not yet exist as though they already do.” Romans 4:13-17 NET
The promise that God made to Abraham is both profound and
life-changing, illustrating God's unparalleled ability to revive hope and bring
to life what was once considered dead. In this context, the law serves as a
poignant contrast; it was designed with specific requirements that ultimately
rendered the fulfillment of God’s promises impossible for anyone, including
Abraham. The law did not empower people; rather, it pointed to human
limitations and our inability to meet its demands.
However, it was through Abraham’s steadfast faith—his
complete trust in the nature and character of God—that these promises were
revitalized. Abraham believed in a God who transcends human limitations, and
this faith effectively resurrected the promises, allowing them to flourish in
ways that exceeded the constraints of the law. Thus, the essence of this story
lies in the power of faith to breathe new life into seemingly hopeless
situations, showcasing a divine promise that can overcome any obstacle.
Paul's audience was poised to uncover an incredible and
transformative truth: there is a profound hope that transcends human
limitations, anchored in a loving God who has the power to breathe new life
into seemingly hopeless situations. This uplifting message resonated deeply,
particularly among those marginalized by the Jewish community, who often
grappled with feelings of unworthiness regarding their claim to God's promises.
Remarkably, Abraham, the patriarch, emerged as the father of
many nations, symbolizing the inclusion of diverse peoples in God's divine
plan. His legacy endures as a foundational figure not only in Judaism but also
in Christianity and Islam, where his unwavering faith is celebrated as a beacon
of inspiration for millions across the globe. Abraham’s journey, marked by
trials and unwavering belief, serves as a radiant reminder that hope is always
within reach, urging us to trust in the possibility of renewal and restoration,
even in our darkest moments, faith is always present.
Paul was a highly skilled apologist, renowned for his
ability to intricately connect the story of Abraham’s profound faith with the
transformative message of salvation through Jesus Christ. He articulated with
conviction how Jesus not only fulfilled the law established in the Old
Testament but also transcended it through His perfect obedience to God's will
by what He suffered.. This culminated in His sacrificial death on the cross and
His victorious resurrection three days later, which changed the course of
history.
In a powerful moment during His crucifixion, Jesus declared,
“It is finished,” signifying the completion of His mission and the fulfillment
of the law's demands. This profound statement indicates that, through His
sacrifice, the law was not simply set aside; rather, it was perfected and made
relevant in a new covenant of grace. Now, individuals from all walks of life
are invited to approach God not through strict adherence to the law but through
genuine faith in Jesus Christ.
This faith offers the assurance that every sin and
transgression against the law has been completely nullified by the cross. Jesus
bore the full weight of humanity's sins—past, present, and future—providing a
path to redemption and restoring us to a right relationship with God. This
message of hope transforms lives and offers everyone the opportunity for
renewed purpose and salvation as God’s own unique children.
In a profoundly impactful statement, Paul asserts, “...the
God who brings the dead to life and calls into existence things that do not yet
exist.” This declaration highlights not only God’s unparalleled resurrection
power but also the transformative nature of faith in our lives. Faith is not
merely a passive hope or a fleeting wish; it actively engages us in summoning
and speaking life into our circumstances—into things that have yet to
materialize—thus bringing them into our present reality.
This concept transcends the idea of simply uttering words
and expecting outcomes, like the ‘name it and claim it’ crowd. Instead, it
calls for us to engage deeply with the promises of God has already declared, which
are rich and clearly outlined throughout scripture. God has already revealed
His divine plans for us, including the abundant life He desires for us within
His kingdom—marked by love, peace, joy, and purpose.
When we take these promises seriously, embracing them with
unwavering faith, we begin the process of internalizing their truth. As these
promises permeate our inner being, we open ourselves up to a remarkable
transformation, one that aligns our lives more closely with God’s purpose and
empowers us to manifest His will in the world around us. Through this journey,
we not only witness change in ourselves but also become catalysts for
transformation in the lives of others.
Our purpose extends beyond becoming mere heirs of a law that
countless generations of Jewish people have interpreted as God’s word—a law
that ultimately proves lifeless and brings forth death. Rather, we joyfully
embrace our identity as heirs of the profound righteousness of Jesus Christ, a
righteousness that breathes life, ignites hope, and transforms our very
existence.
Stephen Barnett
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