Apr 21, 2019
Originally Presented: February 4, 2007
Scripture Reading: Romans 4:23-25
Like a good preacher Paul directly applies, to his readers, the truths he has been unfolding in Romans 4. The statement Paul has been quoting from Genesis 15:6, that God had reckoned righteousness to Abraham, is now brought gloriously into the light for us. "Now not for his [Abraham's] sake only was it written . . . but for our sake also" (Rom 4:24).
God declares righteous "those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead" (Rom 4:24). This sentence gives content to faith. Faith is only as valid as the object of faith. Lots of people who have faith will end up in hell. Muslims and Buddhists and Mormons have faith, but their faith is invalid because they are not trusting "in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead."
People are justified by believing in the true God who raised Christ from the grave. There is no salvation outside of the triune God and the resurrection of Jesus. Christ is called here "Jesus our Lord." A man cannot come to Christ for mercy without coming to Him for who He is . . . Lord, Master. There is no salvation without repentance, a willingness to turn from sin in obedience to the Lord.
There is no greater wonder than the statements in Romans 4:25 which describe the fact that Jesus' death was in our place and for our everlasting benefit. Soli Deo Gloria!