Episode 24 Essays in Romans...4:13-15: It Begins and Ends with Abraham

If inheritance comes through the Law, then inheritance depends on obedience to clearly defined commands. But the very nature of the Law is to expose violations, not to erase them. The Law reveals guilt; it does not remove it. It identifies transgression; it does not justify the transgressor. Abraham, however, was declared righteous long before the Law was given. His standing with God was not built on compliance with Sinai’s commands. It was built on trust in God’s promise. So there is a way to receive the righteousness of God apart from the Law. The secret is Abraham. The Law reveals - it does not heal. The Law exposes, it does not cover. The Law cries “guilty!” where God’s grace says “justified!” Abraham - it begins and ends with Abraham. “He believed, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”