For
the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he should be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
Romans 4:13
Romans 4 [9.] Is this blessing then pronounced on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them. He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision. For the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he should be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.
Meaning:
In this verse, Paul highlights the central role of faith in God's promise to Abraham. He emphasizes that the fulfillment of this promise was not contingent on adherence to the Mosaic law but was based solely on Abraham's faith in God's righteousness. This promise extended not only to Abraham's physical descendants but also to all who share in Abraham's faith, thus making them heirs of the world.
The significance of Romans 4:13 lies in its affirmation of the principle of justification by faith, which is a central theme in Paul's theology. Paul argues that righteousness before God is attained not through works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:21-22). By invoking the example of Abraham, who believed God's promise and was counted as righteous (Romans 4:3), Paul demonstrates that the same principle applies to believers in his own time and beyond.
This verse also underscores the universal scope of God's promise to Abraham. While the promise initially concerned the land of Canaan and the establishment of a great nation (Genesis 12:1-3), Paul expands its significance to encompass the inheritance of the entire world. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become heirs of God's kingdom and beneficiaries of His promises, which transcend ethnic and national boundaries.
One cross-reference that sheds light on the significance of Romans 4:13 is found in Galatians 3:6-9, where Paul writes, "Even as Abraham 'believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.' Know therefore that those who are of faith, the same are children of Abraham. The Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the Good News beforehand to Abraham, saying, 'In you all the nations will be blessed.'" This passage reinforces the connection between faith, righteousness, and inheritance, highlighting the inclusive nature of God's promise to Abraham.
Another cross-reference that enhances our understanding of Romans 4:13 is found in Ephesians 3:6, where Paul declares, "The Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News." This passage emphasizes the unity of believers, both Jews and Gentiles, as heirs of God's promises through faith in Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on Romans 4:13, we are reminded of the foundational role of faith in the Christian life and the universal scope of God's redemptive plan. Just as Abraham believed God and was counted as righteous, so too are believers justified by faith in Jesus Christ and made heirs of God's kingdom. By embracing this truth, we can find assurance in our inheritance as children of God and live with confidence in His promises.
In conclusion, Romans 4:13 affirms the centrality of faith in God's promise to Abraham and its implications for believers in every generation. Through faith in Jesus Christ, believers become heirs of the world and beneficiaries of God's redemptive plan. As we trust in God's righteousness and embrace His promises, may we walk in the footsteps of Abraham, our spiritual father, and inherit the blessings that God has prepared for those who love Him.
PIB Scriptures are derived from the World English Bible