Romans 4:16: Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all.
Responding in faith to God’s promise is not meritorious, since the promise springs from His grace, His disposition of favor toward those who deserve His wrath. The human exercise of faith is simply the prerequisite response of trust in God and His promise. Since faith and grace go together, and since the promise is by grace, the promise can be received only by faith, not by the Law. 1
The universal principle of grace teaches us that salvation comes by faith alone. Oh, how badly our frog-paddling world needs to know this! What today’s person really needs is a clear understanding of the opening chapters of Romans. I am convinced that is what the church needs too, far more than advice on how to raise children or how to handle money (subjects which I do preach on!). 2
Application
- Is your response towards God based on faith and grace, or fear and unbelief?
- How is Romans helping you to understand biblical grace vs human performance?
Prayer
Lord, please establish my faith firmly in Your grace.
1. Walvoord, John F., & Zuck, R. B., Dallas Theological Seminary. (1985). The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
