Audio Download

The Book of Romans, Part 9 – “By Grace Are You Saved”

[Study Aired August 22, 2023]

Rom 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.
Rom 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also:
Rom 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.
Rom 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.
Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 
Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 
Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. 
Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, 
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin. 
Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 
Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 
Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:
Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Let’s review the last few verses of our last study.

Romans 3:28 Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law.

This verse captures the heart of Paul’s teaching on justification. He emphasizes that a person’s righteousness before God is not achieved through adhering to the works of the law, but rather by having the faith of Christ in you. This verse asserts that faith is the means through which a person is declared righteous, highlighting the transformative power of having the faith of Jesus Christ. 

Rom 3:21-22 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference:

Rom 12:1-2 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.

Romans 3:29 Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also.

Paul addresses the universality of God’s reign. He reminds us that God’s sovereignty extends beyond the Jews to include the Gentiles as well. This highlights God’s plan of salvation through the faith of Christ, emphasizing that God is the God of all people, regardless of our backgrounds.

Romans 3:30 Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith.

Paul reiterates the fundamental truth that God is one, and He justifies both the circumcised (Jews) and the uncircumcised (Gentiles) through faith. This emphasizes faith as the common requirement for both groups to obtain righteousness before Him.

Romans 3:31 Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law.

Paul anticipates a potential misunderstanding and responds to it. He clarifies that the principle of justification through faith does not invalidate the law; rather, it upholds and fulfills the law. Faith does not nullify the standards and principles of God’s law but instead establishes a new relationship with the law where believers fulfill its requirements through their transformed lives.

Mat 5:17-20 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Whosoever therefore shall break one of these least commandments, and shall teach men so, he shall be called the least in the kingdom of heaven: but whosoever shall do and teach them, the same shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Rom 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 
Rom 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Paul introduces the concept that if Abraham were justified by his works, he could boast about it, but not in the presence of God. This emphasizes that men’s achievements and works cannot bring true righteousness before God.

Ephesians 2:9-10 Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

Rom 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. 

Paul refers to Scripture to illustrate his point. He highlights that Abraham’s faith in God was what led to his righteousness being credited to him. This emphasizes that faith is the key element in justification.

Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Rom 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. 

When someone works for something, the reward is considered a debt owed to them, not a gift of grace. This underscores the difference between works-based righteousness and the grace-based righteousness obtained through faith.

Romans 11:6 And if by grace, then is it no more of works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if it be of works, then is it no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.”

Rom 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Paul contrasts works with faith. He emphasizes that righteousness is imputed to the one who doesn’t rely on their own works, but rather believes in God’s justification of the ungodly. This further emphasizes the role of faith in righteousness.

Galatians 3:6 Even as Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.

Rom 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,
Rom 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.
Rom 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

These verses explain how David also speaks of the blessedness of being credited with righteousness without works, but through the forgiveness of sins. This emphasizes God’s act of not imputing sin to believers.

Psalm 32:1-2 Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. Blessed is the man unto whom the LORD imputeth not iniquity.

Rom 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 

Paul raises the question of whether this blessedness of being counted righteous applies only to the circumcised (Jews) or also to the uncircumcised (Gentiles). He reiterates that Abraham’s faith was the basis for his righteousness, implying that this blessing extends to all who share in Abraham’s faith, regardless of their circumcision status.

Galatians 3:7 Know ye therefore that they which are of faith, the same are the children of Abraham.

Rom 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Paul addresses the timing of when Abraham’s faith was reckoned as righteousness. He clarifies that it happened before Abraham was circumcised, emphasizing that faith was the foundation of his righteousness, preceding any physical sign or ritual.

Genesis 15:6 And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.

Rom 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Paul explains that Abraham’s circumcision, received later, was a sign and seal of the righteousness he had by faith when he was still uncircumcised. This signified that Abraham is a father of all believers, whether circumcised or not, emphasizing that righteousness comes through faith.

Genesis 17:10-11 This is my covenant, which ye shall keep, between me and you and thy seed after thee; Every man child among you shall be circumcised. And ye shall circumcise the flesh of your foreskin; and it shall be a token of the covenant betwixt me and you.

Rom 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Paul clarifies that Abraham is a father not only to those who are physically circumcised but also to those who walk in the same footsteps of faith that he did before he was circumcised. This emphasizes the centrality of faith as the common ground for all believers, regardless of their outward differences.

Galatians 3:29 And if ye be Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.

Paul uses the physical example of circumcision to establish a spiritual message – the faith of Christ is our only hope of being saved. Abraham was given faith that Sarah would give birth. He did not believe at first, but faith prevailed.

Genesis 17:15-21 And God said unto Abraham, As for Sarai thy wife, thou shalt not call her name Sarai, but Sarah shall her name be. And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be a mother of nations; kings of people shall be of her. Then Abraham fell upon his face, and laughed, and said in his heart, Shall a child be born unto him that is an hundred years old? and shall Sarah, that is ninety years old, bear? And Abraham said unto God, O that Ishmael might live before thee! And God said, Sarah thy wife shall bear thee a son indeed; and thou shalt call his name Isaac: and I will establish my covenant with him for an everlasting covenant, and with his seed after him. And as for Ishmael, I have heard thee: Behold, I have blessed him, and will make him fruitful, and will multiply him exceedingly; twelve princes shall he beget, and I will make him a great nation. But my covenant will I establish with Isaac, which Sarah shall bear unto thee at this set time in the next year.

The faith we have is not of ourselves. It is the faith of Christ. In the above scriptures, a change takes place. Sarai becomes Sarah. This represents us receiving the truth of the gospel. We were barren without the truth, and now we become fruitful.

Col 1:3-14 We give thanks to God and the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, Since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus, and of the love which ye have to all the saints, For the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, whereof ye heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel; Which is come unto you, as it is in all the world; and bringeth forth fruit, as it doth also in you, since the day ye heard of it, and knew the grace of God in truth: As ye also learned of Epaphras our dear fellowservant, who is for you a faithful minister of Christ; Who also declared unto us your love in the Spirit. For this cause we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to desire that ye might be filled with the knowledge of his will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God; Strengthened with all might, according to his glorious power, unto all patience and longsuffering with joyfulness; Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light: Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of his dear Son: In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins:

Our righteousness will get us nowhere and will only keep the veil over our eyes. We are saved by grace through faith whether we are circumcised or uncircumcised.

Eph 2:1-10 And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins;  Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience: Among whom also we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others. But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, Even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved😉 And hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus: That in the ages to come he might shew the exceeding riches of his grace in his kindness toward us through Christ Jesus. For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

The faith of Jesus Christ is our salvation.

Here are our next study’s verses:

Rom 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Rom 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: 
Rom 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression. 
Rom 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all,
Rom 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. 
Rom 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
Rom 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb:
Rom 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; 
Rom 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 
Rom 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness. 
Rom 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 
Rom 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 
Rom 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.