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NASB | Romans 4:16 ¶ For this reason it is by faith, in order that it may be in accordance with grace, so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, 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, |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Romans 4:16 ¶ Therefore, [inheriting] the promise depends entirely on faith [that is, confident trust in the unseen God], in order that it may be given as an act of grace [His unmerited favor and mercy], so that the promise will be [legally] guaranteed to all the descendants [of Abraham]--not only for those [Jewish believers] who keep the Law, but also for those [Gentile believers] who share the faith of Abraham, who is the [spiritual] father of us all-- |
Bible Question:
I'm having a bit of trouble harmonizing this verse with verse 14. In 14, it clearly states, "For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified." This, in effect, is stating that those who are of the law cannot be heirs to the promise. However, here in verse 16 it states, "so that the promise will be guaranteed to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law" thereby including the descendants "of the Law" in the promise. I am aware that heirs and descendants are different both in English as well as in the original Greek. Verse 16 still seems to be including individuals "of the Law" in the promise which seemingly not only contradicts verse 14 but the rest of Romans as well. Thanks for the help, BOC James |
Bible Answer: Hi, BOC James! This goes to the example of the tree that was cut down and the branch that was grafted in its place... the origininal olive tree is one hundred percent natural; the grafted olive branch which grows onto the original trunk will always be naturalized. If you belong to the household you do not need special grafting to be a member... Abraham believed in God, his faith was proven by his actions; God made a promise to Abraham about his descendants (one nation: Israel) and about making him the father of many nations (the rest of humanity). Through Abraham's obedience Israel's remnant is granted access to the Heavenly Father... Through Abraham's faith the rest of the world is also granted access to the Father. Israel was not rejected by God; Israel was allowed to become stubborn only so that we could find grace through the promise: I want you to be quite certain, brothers, of this mystery, to save you from congratulating yourselves on your own good sense: parts of Israel had its mind hardened, but only until the gentiles have wholly come in; and this is how all Israel will be saved. As scripture says: From Zion will come the Redeemer, he will remove godlessness from Jacob. And this will be my covenant with them, when I take their sins away. As regards the gospel, they are enemies, but for your sake; but as regards those who are God's choice, they are still well loved for the sake of their ancestors. There is no change of mind on God's part about the gifts he has made or of his choice. Just as you were in the past disobedient to God but now you have been shown mercy, through their disobedience; so in the same way they are disobedient now, so that through the mercy shown to you they too will receive mercy. God has imprisoned all human beings in their own disobedience only to show mercy to them all. (Romans 11:25-32) I suggest you read Romans chapters 9, 10 and 11--these are excellent sources that can clarify: Salvation for all! God Bless! Angel |
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Questions and/or Subjects for Rom 4:16 | Author | ||
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sheckey | ||
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JCrichton | ||
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Rowdy | ||
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JonCohen | ||
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precjwl |