Part 1c - Righteousness by Faith [3:21-4:25]

  1. [3:21-4:25] Righteousness by faith
    1. [3:21-26] Justification and the Righteousness of God
    2. [3:27-31] By Faith Alone: initial statement
    3. [4:1-25] Proof from Abraham
      • [4:1-8] Faith & Works
      • [4:9-12] Faith & Circumcision
      • [4:13-22] Faith, Promise and the Law
      • [4:23-25] Abraham’s faith related to ours

Justification and the Righteousness of God [3:21-26]

  1. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets) has been disclosed—
  2. namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe.
  • Introduction
  1. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
  2. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
  • Statement of Justification by faith
  1. God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith.
  • What God did and why
  1. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed.
  • Reason 1 (the past)
  1. This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness.
  • Reason 2 (present and future)
  • Demonstrates God can forgive sin without being unjust
  1. [3:27-31] By Faith Alone: initial statement
    • read verses

There are three views of how this Justification actually works

  1. [4:1-25] Proof from Abraham
    • [4:1-8] Faith & Works
    • [4:9-12] Faith & Circumcision
    • [4:13-22] Faith, Promise and the Law
    • [4:23-25] Abraham’s faith related to ours