What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
When the name “Abraham” is evoked in the context of spiritual interest, the majority of people (believers and non-believers alike) might immediately think Old Testament and the father of Israel. They may even state he was the patriarch of Israel. They would not be wrong, but that would be like saying the Empire State Building is a building. Abraham was, indeed, the patriarch of Israel. But, he was not an Israelite in the way you think. Jacob, the grandson of Abraham, was renamed, by God, Israel. This was after Jacob had twelve sons (the twelve tribes of Israel). Technically, since Abraham came two generations before an Israel, he is not a descendant of Israel. He is the first called, however, to start the nation of Israel:
Genesis 12:1-3 (ESV)
Now the LORD said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you. And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.”
Note that God tells Abraham that he will become a great nation (Israel) AND “in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” This is a key for our learning. In Abraham, how are all the nations of the earth, blessed. This is the point Paul is about to make in chapter four of Romans. The above verse is the launching pad for Paul’s point. Paul is writing to the church at Rome who had fallen into the trap that they need to keep the Law (a Law given to Moses, four generations later than Levi, one of Israel’s sons). Paul’s point is that Abraham responded to God’s word in faith, well before the Law was even given. His response to God in faith, pleased God.
James 2:21-23 (ESV)
Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works; and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a friend of God.
It is our faith that brings us into a relationship with God. By faith we have peace with God, as the next chapter Paul writes will state:
Romans 5:1 (ESV)
Peace with God Through Faith
Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Paul’s point is that Abraham is “our” forefather, yes. But not just as the grandfather of Jacob (Israel). Paul stating that Abraham was our “father” is his point. He is the “father” of faith. All those who come to Christ in faith have Abraham as their farther. He is a patriarch, for sure. But not just of the nation of Israel but all those who come to Christ in faith.
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