Romans 4:13: For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
The historical fact is, as Paul has written in Galatians 3:17, the Law came 430 years after Abraham was made heir to the promise by faith—and there is thus no way the Law could invalidate or restrict its scope. To make the promise conditional on obedience to the Law, which was not even hinted at when the promise was given, would nullify the whole promise. Righteousness, and its promised benefits, has always come by faith to those who live by faith! 1
In keeping with Paul’s thought that no man can be put right with God through any sort of legalistic religious system. 2
Application
- Has God ever broken His promise to you? Has He ever let you down, even once?
- If He has always been faithful to you, then why is it so hard for you to trust Him?
Prayer
Lord, forgive me for my unbelief. Thank you for allowing difficult situations so I can believe you more, breaking the pattern of unbelief in my life.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2. Newman, B. M., & Nida, E. A. (1973). A handbook on Paul’s letter to the Romans. New York: United Bible Societies.