February 13: “The Father of Many Nations” (Romans 4)

After declaring the gospel, Paul in chapter 4 lifts up Abraham as an example of someone who was justified by God’s grace. Abraham was justified by faith, not by works, nor by circumcision (physical descent), nor by the law. Abraham also lived by faith, not by sight. Chapter 4 also deals with Paul’s secondary theme of the integration of Jews and Gentiles as one new humanity. Justification by faith means that Gentiles can be included in the family of Abraham. Abraham is truly the father of many nations.

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