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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: Cited for context: Rom 4:10 How then was it credited? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised; 11 and he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised, so that he might be the father of all who believe without being circumcised, that righteousness might be credited to them, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also follow in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had while uncircumcised. 13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For if those who are of the Law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified; 15 for the Law brings about wrath, but where there is no law, there also is no violation. 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, We should remember with most of these discussions from Paul about circumcision vs. uncircumcision, he was dealing with the aftereffects of the Judeizers, those who were following Paul and insisting that newly converted christians have themselves circumcized to be truly pleasing to God. The most important point we should get from the passage above is that neither works on our part or circumcision or anything else we could possibly do or think of can possibly qualify us to deserve God's grace. "We all fall short of God's glory" and if we were left on our own, we would all be without hope. However, because of God's Grace and His Son's willingness to go to the cross in our stead we can be fellow heirs to the Heavenly Home God has waiting for us. Now this doesn't mean we get off "Scott free" as far as our works are concerned. For our works do act as a proof that we are God's children just like the Jews' offering of sacrifices and their circumcision was their proof. The process is understood a little more clearly this way: If we don't have works (fruit of our labor), such as feeding the poor, teaching the unlearned of God or just spreading the gospel, then we don't have the Grace of God or His Spirit abiding in us. If we have these items in our lives, then we are literally compelled to be fruitful for our Lord as in the vineyard parable. The two, Grace and works, go hand in hand, one proves the existance of the other. BUT we must rely on the Grace of God to save us, as long as we really are His children. A person could compare this relationship to that showed between two cars with identical body styles but completely different engines. Without God's Grace in our lives, we have absolutely no chance of winning that race, just like a 4 cylinder engine. But when we obey God and He adds us to His family, His Grace gives us a whole new engine with full power, all we need to cross the finish line with lots to spare. Now, here's where the works come in. Some of us might be good at preaching, or singing, teaching one on one, some of us are good at encouraging like Barnabas. But we're all expected to take up our cross from the Lord and adopt a ministry if it's nothing more than posting statements to this Forum and encouraging folks to study their Bibles with challenging questions and responses to their questions. These works prove that we've got the power where it counts, inside us just like that race car. The Holy Spirit within us hums just like a finely tuned motor when we're working and sacrificing our will to our Father's Will. Thus, we prove our faithfulness IAW Rev 2:10 over and over again. Our confidence grows as our knowledge of God's Word grows within us. And as our knowledge and confidence grows, so do the Grace and Love of God grow within us. Our friends and neighbors notice the way we're different with our talk and our priorities. It's easy to see that works in this scenario takes a back seat to Grace as they should but that back seat MUST be filled. Otherwise the Grace from God within us begins to wither away and eventually leave us just like King Saul. Yes Grace and works go hand in hand together like salt and pepper, peaches and cream. I'm convinced we can't get to Heaven both of them as reflected James 2. Grace and faith by themselves indicates a dead faith. I hope this clarifys the issue at little bit. God bless. --Rowdy |
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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 |