Romans 4:13-18
13 It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, 15 because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all. 17 As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”[a] He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
18 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”
For Paul, the Law brings wrath because it is based on our ability to fulfill it, and we all fall short.
Faith, however, is based on God’s ability to do what he says he will do, and therefore is guaranteed. Do you rely more on your ability to try to fulfill the Law or God’s ability to fulfill his promises?
Thank you to Pastor Jim Kroninger of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Gatlinburg, Tennessee for providing our lenten messages this 2012. Visit our You Tube Channel here and follow Pastor Jim's sermons each week. Join us on Facebook and get to know us!
Give us a perfect heart to receive your word,
- that we may bring forth fruit in patience.
Make us eager to work with you in building a better world,
- so that it may listen to your Church and its gospel of peace.
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