1. It is good to practise Reviewing the Scriptures
2. How Reviewing helps
a) It clarifies
b) It confirms
c) It challenges
3. The Doctrine of Justification
a) Faith in God as the Justifier
b) Faith in the Lord Jesus as our Saviour
c) Faith in God’s concept of Justification
d) Faith in God’s Promise
e) Faith in God’s grace
4. Comparing and Contrasting
a) Faith in God versus the Works of Man
b) Faith in God and the Law of Moses
c) Faith in God and the Rite of Circumcision
THE PROMISE OF GOD
13 For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect
Romans 4:13-14
1. The Promise of God to Abraham that he would be the heir of the world
2. Was this Promise given to him and to his seed through the Law?
The obvious answer is No!
3. Ramifications
a) If it is through the Law, Faith is made void
b) The Promise is of no effect (it would not be a valid promise)
THE PROBLEM WITH THE LAW
Because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.
Romans 4:15
1. The Law speaks of two things
a) It must be kept
b) If the Law is broken it invites a penalty
c) The Law brings about the wrath of God （Deuteronomy 27）
2. If there is no law
a) Then one cannot be charged with transgression
b) Only by the law is transgression understood
FAITH AND GRACE
Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
Romans 4:16
1. Faith speaks of Grace
a) When we speak of Justification by faith
b) We must speak of God’s grace
c) Faith is believing:
i) In God
ii) In His word of promise
iii) In the Lord Jesus
iv) In the grace of God
2. The Promise of God
a) It is available to those who are descendants of Abraham
b) It is also available to all who have faith in God
c) Abraham is the father of all who have Faith in God