What role does the law play in understanding faith according to Romans 4:14? Verse in Focus Romans 4:14: “For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise is nullified.” Key Truth: Law Cannot Secure the Promise • Inheritance rests on God’s promise, not human performance. • If law-keeping earned the blessing, faith would be pointless. • Basing salvation on works would empty God’s word to Abraham of its power. Faith Makes the Promise Firm • Faith receives what God freely pledged, rooting salvation in His reliability. • Grace, not merit, defines the relationship, so boasting is silenced. • The promise stands unshakable because it depends on God alone. The Law’s Proper Functions • Mirror – reveals sin (Romans 3:20). • Tutor – leads to Christ (Galatians 3:24). • Amplifier – heightens awareness of transgression so grace may abound (Romans 5:20). • Boundary – restrains evil in society (1 Timothy 1:9-10). • Witness – confirms human inability, preparing hearts for faith. Supporting Scriptures • Romans 4:3 – “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Galatians 3:18 – “For if the inheritance depends on the law, it no longer depends on a promise; but God bestowed it on Abraham through a promise.” • Romans 10:4 – “For Christ is the end of the law, to bring righteousness to everyone who believes.” • Hebrews 11:6 – “And without faith it is impossible to please God...” • Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith... not by works, so that no one can boast.” Living It Out Today • Anchor assurance in God’s promise, not fluctuating performance. • Let the law expose sin, then flee to Christ in faith. • Celebrate grace daily, rejoicing that the promise stands firm. • Extend that same grace to others, remembering all stand level at the foot of the cross. |
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