What does "calls into being what does not exist" teach about faith? Setting the Scene in Romans 4 • Romans 4:17: “as it is written: ‘I have made you a father of many nations.’ He is our father in the presence of God, in whom he believed — the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that do not yet exist.” • Paul points to Abraham, whose body “as good as dead” (v. 19) and Sarah’s barren womb looked hopeless, yet God’s promise stood. Understanding the Phrase “Calls into Being What Does Not Exist” • God creates ex nihilo — out of nothing. • His spoken word is sufficient cause; no raw material, no visible pathway is required. • The phrase highlights two divine actions: – “gives life to the dead” — God reverses what is impossible. – “calls into being” — He speaks realities into existence that have no present footing in the natural world. Why This Matters for Abraham’s Faith • Faith rests on God’s nature, not on visible circumstances. • Abraham believed because: – God’s character is trustworthy (Numbers 23:19: “Does He speak and not act?”). – God’s power is unlimited (Genesis 18:14: “Is anything too difficult for the LORD?”). • The promise of innumerable descendants demanded faith in a God who creates where nothing exists — both a physical lineage from a barren couple and a spiritual family from every nation. What It Teaches About Our Faith Today • Faith anchors on God’s word, even when no evidence is visible. • Faith joins hope to the Creator’s voice, confident He can: – Ignite new life in a spiritually dead heart (Ephesians 2:4-5). – Provide where resources are absent (Philippians 4:19). – Fulfill future resurrection (Romans 8:11). • Faith looks forward as well as backward; the God who spoke worlds into existence will keep every promise still pending. Supporting Scriptural Echoes • Hebrews 11:1: “Now faith is the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see.” • Genesis 1:3: “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” • Psalm 33:6, 9: “By the word of the LORD the heavens were made… For He spoke, and it came to be.” • Isaiah 55:11: “So My word that proceeds from My mouth will not return to Me empty.” • 2 Corinthians 4:6: “For God, who said, ‘Let light shine out of darkness,’ made His light shine in our hearts…” Putting It into Everyday Practice • Speak God’s promises aloud; align your words with His creative word. • When confronted with “nothing,” remember God specializes in beginnings from zero. • Treat obstacles as opportunities to witness God “call into being” His plan. • Keep a record of fulfilled promises; past faithfulness fuels present trust. |
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