If Abraham had been justified by works he would have had bragging rights. It would be a big accomplishment to work one’s way into heaven by one’s own goodness.
Paul wanted to make it clear to his readers that from God’s perspective Abraham did not have any ground for boasting.
Genesis, the very first book of the Old Testament, states that Abraham was declared righteous due to his faith (not his works, 15:6). The doctrine of justification by faith was not new; it is as old as Genesis . God justifies the ungodly by faith. If righteousness could be earned by good works then we would not be wicked. Paul is here suggesting even Abraham, hero of Judaism, was ungodly in and of himself.
The one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works, whose lawless deeds are forgiven, whose sins will not count against him, is truly blessed.
Featuring a sermon puts it on the front page of the site and is the most effective way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands including all mobile platforms + newsletter.
Text-Featuring a sermon is a less expensive way to bring this sermon to the attention of thousands on the right bar with optional newsletter inclusion. As low as $30/day.
Stephen Atkerson helps church leaders discover simple growth strategies that Jesus gave the early church. For over 30 years, he has worked with evangelists, missionaries, church planters, and pastors in Asia, the Americas, Europe and Africa. He is one of the pastors of a Baptist...
