Romans 4:23-25

Text

Romans 4:23-25. Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was reckoned unto him; Romans 4:24 but for our sake also, unto whom it shall be reckoned, who believe on him that raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, Romans 4:25 who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.

REALIZING ROMANS, Romans 4:23-25

170.

The purpose of the Old Testament scriptures is here revealed. What is it?

171.

How shall we know that we have a faith like Abraham'S?

172.

Is our faith to be centered in God, or in Jesus?

173.

Jesus was delivered up for our trespasses. In what sense is this true?

174.

In what manner does the resurrection provide for our justification?

Paraphrase

Romans 4:23-25. Now it was not recorded by Moses for Abraham's honor only, that his faith was thus counted to him in his uncircumcised state; (see Romans 4:3.)

Romans 4:24 But it was recorded for our benefit also, to whom, as Abraham's children, the like faith will be counted for righteousness, even to those in every age and nation who believe on him (believe whatever he declares and promises) who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead:

Romans 4:25 Who, being the seed of Abraham, in which all nations are to be blessed, was delivered to death by God for our offences, and was raised again from the dead, and made universal Lord, for our deliverance from ignorance and wickedness.

Summary

The fact that Abraham's belief was counted to him for justification was written for our sake as well as his. Whom we must believe on, and what in, why Christ was given up to death, and the object for which he rose, are dealt with in this section.

Comment

We must not forget that the promise of righteousness by faith was not only written for the benefit of Abraham alone, but for our sake also. For to us God will impute this same justification if we believe in Him even as Abraham did. He, who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, is the object of our faith. In the last verse of this chapter we find the rock upon which the whole structure of salvation by faith rests: Who was delivered up for our trespasses and was raised for our justification. This is why God can declare us righteous through our faith. He bare in his body the sins we committed, both when we were in rebellion as a sinner, and now those committed in spite of our conscientious faithfulness as a Christian. Yes, he was raised and thus consummated our justification. The Jew who knew the true purpose of the Messiah could see in these remarks about Jesus the method by which Abraham and Christians are justified. Romans 4:23-25

Rethinking in Outline Form

2.

Justification Through the Gospel Illustrated and Applied. Romans 4:1-25

a.

Abraham, the illustration. The principle of justification through faith finds a wonderful application in his life.

Note:

(1)

His state of justification was obtained only through his faith, not by works. Romans 4:1-8

(2)

His justification had no dependence upon circumcision, for he was declared just before his circumcision. This was done in order that he could indeed be the father of the circumcised and the uncircumcised. Romans 4:9-12

(3)

The promise made to Abraham of inheriting the world was a promise of faith, not of works.

(a)

This was true in order to include all the nations in the promise.

(b)

The inheritance of the world was to come through Abraham's seed. Abraham, knowing this, believed in the power of God in spite of the discouraging circumstances.

(c)

This faith of father Abraham was what God considered in declaring Abraham righteous, and it is a type of the faith that will secure justification for us today.

(d)

It must be in God through Christ and his death.

91.

How can the faith of Abraham benefit you and me?

92.

What is the rock foundation of this doctrine of salvation by faith?

93.

What is the meaning of Romans 4:25 a?