Introduction
God saves sinners by their faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. This is an act of God’s grace and not the result of human effort. God saves sinners through Christ’s resurrection power and not our own works. This is illustrated through the example of Abraham.
Justification Is by Faith, not Works, vv. 1-8
A. Abraham was declared righteous Jews, v. 2.
1. Rabbis taught that Abraham obeyed the Law perfectly before it was given.
2. Paul taught that “Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness,” Genesis 15:6.
“Counted is logizomai. It was used in early secular documents; ‘put down to one’s account, let my revenues be placed on deposit at the storehouse; I now give orders generally with regard to all payments actually made or credited to the government.’ Thus, God put to Abraham’s account, placed on deposit for him, credited to him, righteousness… Abraham possessed righteousness in the same manner as a person would possess a sum of money placed in his account in a bank.” (Wuest)
3. Abraham trusted God’s promise: “believed God,” v. 3.
B. Abraham was declared righteous by God, v. 3.
1. Righteousness is not just innocence of sin.
2. Righteousness is right standing before God.
3. Righteousness is right belief.
C. Abraham was declared righteous by God’s grace, vv. 4-5.
1. If salvation is gained by works, the glory is ours and not God’s.
2. If salvation is gained by works, God is indebted to us.
3. However, salvation is a gift of God’s grace:
a. Our sin is imputed/charged to Christ’s account.
b. Christ’s righteousness is imputed/charged to our account.
D. The Illustration of King David, Psalm 32:1-2.
1. Forgiven sins is a blessing.
2. Forgiven sins are covered.
3. Forgiven sins are not imputed to us.
Justification Is by Grace, not Law, vv. 9-17
A. God declared Abraham righteous 14 years before he was circumcised.
B. God’s promise to Abraham was given because of his faith, not the Law, v. 13.
C. God’s salvation comes by grace through faith, making Abraham the father of all who believe God, v. 16.
Justification Is by Resurrection Power, not Human Effort, vv. 18-25
A. Abraham and Sarah were dead, well past the age of child-bearing, v. 19 and Hebrews 11:11-12.
B. Abraham was justified by the power of the resurrection from the dead, v. 21.
C. We are dead in trespasses and sins, but are justified by the power of Christ’s resurrection, vv. 24-25.
Conclusion
A. In verses 1-8, Paul contrasted faith and works.
B. In verses 9-17, Paul contrasted law and grace.
C. In verses 18-25, Paul contrasted life and death.
D. The fact that Jesus died proves we were sinners; the fact that God raised Him from the dead proves we have been justified by His blood. This is evidence again that justification is a matter of resurrection power and not feeble human effort.