Connect Romans 4:10 with Ephesians 2:8-9 on salvation by faith, not works. Abraham’s Credit Before Any Work Romans 4:10 — “In what context was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before.” • Abraham’s righteousness was “credited” while he was still uncircumcised. • God’s declaration happened in Genesis 15:6 — “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Circumcision (Genesis 17) came years later, proving the credit of righteousness rested on faith alone, not on any ritual act. Grace Echoes in Ephesians Ephesians 2:8-9 — “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” • “By grace…through faith” matches Abraham’s experience: undeserved favor received by trusting God’s promise. • “Not from yourselves…not by works” reinforces Paul’s point in Romans 4:10—no human effort, ceremony, or moral achievement can initiate salvation. • “So that no one can boast” mirrors Romans 3:27 and Romans 4:2—boasting is eliminated when salvation rests solely on God’s gift. Scripture in Concert • Romans 4:11-12 — Circumcision became a “seal” of the righteousness already credited, not the cause of it. • Galatians 3:6-9 — “Those who have faith are sons of Abraham.” Gentiles share Abraham’s blessing the same way he received it—believing God. • Philippians 3:9 — “…not having my own righteousness from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.” • Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not by works of righteousness we had done, but according to His mercy…” • Isaiah 64:6 — Human righteousness is “filthy rags,” underscoring the need for God’s credited righteousness. Why Works Still Matter—After Faith • Ephesians 2:10 follows the faith declaration: “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works…” • Romans 6:1-4 — Grace is never an excuse to continue in sin; new life follows justification. • James 2:17-23 — Genuine faith proves itself by works, just as Abraham’s later obedience validated his earlier credit of righteousness. Living in the Gift • Rest in the certainty that salvation is anchored in God’s promise, not personal performance. • Reject any ritual, rule, or achievement as a means to earn favor; instead, let good works flow from gratitude. • Celebrate the unity of Scripture: from Abraham to the church, God’s way of making people righteous has always been “by grace…through faith.” |
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