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A Study of Romans

Romans 3 21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed — attested by the Law and the Prophets 22 — that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Romans 3 21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed — attested by the Law and the Prophets 22 — that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 2 Cor. 5:21 -- He made the One who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.

Romans 3 21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed — attested by the Law and the Prophets 22 — that is, God’s righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ, to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.

Today’s Theme What is biblical faith?

Some Common Misconceptions In the OT, God was about people earning His favor, but in the NT, God is about people having faith. Faith is the ability to believe in something without evidence or in spite of evidence. Faith is “a conviction which cannot be shaken by contrary evidence.” (Bertrand Russell) Faith = one’s self-constructed views of reality; especially of unseen “spiritual” things (often includes rituals & special “spiritual” acts).

Some Common Misconceptions In the OT, God was about people earning His favor, but in the NT, God is about people having faith. Faith is the ability to believe in something without evidence or in spite of evidence. Faith is “a conviction which cannot be shaken by contrary evidence.” (Bertrand Russell) Faith = one’s self-constructed views of reality; especially of unseen “spiritual” things (often includes rituals & special “spiritual” acts). “Faith” is a watered-down, confusing, and largely useless term in modern society.

Romans 4 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God.

Abraham Very influential historical figure: Islam Judaism Christianity

Islam One earns righteousness by following the five pillars: "There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is His messenger." Pray five times a day facing Mecca. Give alms (charity). Fast during Ramadan. Make a pilgrimage to Mecca.

Judaism One earns righteousness through repentance and following God’s law.

Unbiblical Christianity One earns righteousness by being a good person, going to church, being baptized, taking the Lord’s Supper, etc..

Unbiblical Christianity One earns righteousness by being a good person, going to church, being baptized, taking the Lord’s Supper, etc.. Grace + Works = WORKS!

Romans 4 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God.

Romans 4 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.

Romans 4 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.

Romans 4 All “faiths” are NOT the same: SO WHAT IS FAITH??? 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness. All “faiths” are NOT the same: Judaism, Islam, & Legalistic Christianity trace their roots to Abraham & teach works-righteousness. Biblical Christianity teaches salvation as a gift we receive through faith, and Abraham exemplifies this faith. SO WHAT IS FAITH???

Romans 4 9 Is this blessing only for the circumcised, then? Or is it also for the uncircumcised? For we say, Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness. 10 In what way then was it credited—while he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while he was circumcised, but uncircumcised.

Romans 4 9 Is this blessing only for the circumcised, then? Or is it also for the uncircumcised? For we say, Faith was credited to Abraham for righteousness. 10 In what way then was it credited—while he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while he was circumcised, but uncircumcised. The Jews argued that one had to be circumcised in order to be righteous, and they pointed to their father Abraham as the supreme example.

Paul’s Biblical Argument In Genesis 15:6, Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God. In Genesis 17:10, God prescribes the ritual of circumcision to Abraham and his offspring. Approximately 14 years passed between Gen. 15:6 and Gen. 17:10.

Paul’s Biblical Argument In Genesis 15:6, Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God. In Genesis 17:10, God prescribes the ritual of circumcision to Abraham and his offspring. Approximately 14 years passed between Gen. 15:6 and Gen. 17:10. So, what is the point of the ritual?

Romans 4 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also. 12 And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised.

Romans 4 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also. 12 And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised. Rituals serve to externally demonstrate a pre-existent internal reality (see baptism & communion).

Romans 4 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also. 12 And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised. Faith ≠ Works

Romans 4 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also. 12 And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised. Faith ≠ Ritual

Faith ≠ Heritage Romans 4 11 And he received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while still uncircumcised. This was to make him the father of all who believe but are not circumcised, so that righteousness may be credited to them also. 12 And he became the father of the circumcised, who are not only circumcised but who also follow in the footsteps of the faith our father Abraham had while he was still uncircumcised. Faith ≠ Heritage

Romans 4 13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 If those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made empty and the promise is canceled.

Faith ≠ Law-Keeping Romans 4 13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would inherit the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. 14 If those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made empty and the promise is canceled. Faith ≠ Law-Keeping

What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is NOT: Good works Practicing spiritual rituals Having a religious heritage Religious law-keeping

What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is ALSO NOT: Mental assent (James 2:19) A feeling (2 Cor. 5:7) Wishful thinking (1 Cor. 15:17) Resolutely believing what is false

Romans 4 17 As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations. He believed in God, who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist.

Romans 4 Faith based on observation and information (Isaac & Creation) 17 As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations. He believed in God, who gives life to the dead and calls things into existence that do not exist. Faith based on observation and information (Isaac & Creation)

Romans 4 18 He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be.

Romans 4 Faith based on what God had said (God’s character). 18 He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be. Faith based on what God had said (God’s character).

Romans 4 19 He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

Romans 4 19 He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. Faith endured in spite of circumstances because based on what God had said (God’s character).

Romans 4 19 He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

What about him selling out his wife to cover his butt (twice)? Romans 4 19 He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. What about him selling out his wife to cover his butt (twice)?

What about the existence of Ishmael? Romans 4 19 He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. What about the existence of Ishmael?

Romans 4 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.

Romans 4 Abraham accepted God’s promise & was declared righteous at that point in time. 1 What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor, has found? 2 If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to brag about—but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness.

Romans 4 Abraham’s faith grew over time as he experienced more and more of God’s faithfulness. 19 He considered his own body to be already dead (since he was about 100 years old) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb, without weakening in the faith. 20 He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, 21 because he was fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform.

What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is: Willingness to ACT based on God’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon God to fulfill His promises.

What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is: Willingness to ACT based on God’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon God to fulfill His promises. Ephesians 2:8-9 -- 8 For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift — 9 not from works, so that no one can boast.

What is biblical faith? Biblical faith is: Willingness to ACT based on God’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon God to fulfill His promises. Hebrews 11:1 -- Now faith is the reality of what is hoped for, the proof of what is not seen.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalism can’t promise anything. Its logical conclusion is a world without meaning and without any basis for morality. Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises. Naturalists are unable to ACT consistent with naturalism’s conclusions.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises.

Naturalists have good REASON to wonder if naturalism is TRUE. Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Naturalistic faith is a willingness to ACT based on naturalism’s TRUTH, with complete DEPENDENCE upon naturalism to fulfill its promises. Naturalists have good REASON to wonder if naturalism is TRUE.

Conclusions Biblical faith is tied to reason and evidence Faith is a part of any worldview Why not consider the evidence for God’s existence? Why not consider the evidence for biblical Christianity? Why not act by asking God to reveal Himself to you?

NEXT WEEK @ CT How can I grow my faith?

Questions? Comments?

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