(a) How does Paul use the case of Abraham to prove justification by faith? (b) What role does faith play in the life of christians today?

Answer Details

(a) How Paul uses Abraham to prove justification by faith (Romans 4; cf. Galatians 3)

Paul argues that a person is justified (declared righteous before God) not by works of the law but by faith, and he uses Abraham, the revered father of the Jews, as his decisive proof.

• Abraham was justified by faith, not works: Paul quotes Genesis, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." If Abraham had been justified by works he would have something to boast about, but not before God. His righteousness was reckoned to him as a gift, not as wages earned.
• Righteousness credited apart from works: just as David spoke of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works, so righteousness comes by faith, not by keeping the law.
• Abraham was justified before circumcision: the promise was reckoned to him while he was still uncircumcised, so he is the father of all who believe, both uncircumcised Gentiles and circumcised Jews who follow his faith. Circumcision was only a seal of the righteousness he already had by faith.
• The promise came through faith, not law: the promise that Abraham would be heir of the world came through the righteousness of faith, so that it might rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his spiritual descendants.
• Strong faith in God's promise: though he was about a hundred years old and Sarah's womb was dead, Abraham did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in faith, fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. That is why "it was accounted to him for righteousness."

Thus Abraham proves that justification has always been by faith, available to all who believe.

(b) The role of faith in the life of Christians today

• It is through faith in Christ that believers are justified and reconciled to God.
• Faith gives access to God's grace, peace and the hope of glory.
• Christians live and walk by faith, trusting God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible.
• Faith produces obedience, good works, endurance in trials, and answered prayer, and is the means by which we please God and receive salvation.