Abraham Justified by Works? Romans 4:2

Paul the apostle asked the Jews in Rome, “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, has found?, and in chapter four and verse two of Romans, Paul declared, “if Abraham were justified by works” where we read:

For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.

The verse begins, “For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory;” Paul began with the word, “for” which means “because, since and on account of” “if Abraham” or “whether father of the Jewish nation and multitude” “were justified” or “were rendered righteous or as he ought to be” “by works” which refers to “through and by means of business, employment and that which one is occupied, undertakes or acts”, “he has whereof to glory” which means “having that of which one boasts or rejoices”. Paul shared how “Abraham” would have something to “boast about” if he were “rendered righteous” by his “business, doings and occupations”.

The verse continues, “but not before God.” Paul added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over what was just stated “not before” which means “no and never in front and in the presence of” “God” which refers to “the Godhead bodily and trinity which is comprised of God the Father, Christ the Son and the Holy Spirit”. Paul shared how there was “no boasting” for “works done” by “Abraham” in front of “God”.

When we think through these words of Paul, we see how it was not “Abraham's” “works” that “made him just” before God because he would be able to “boast” about them. As the father of the nation of Israel, if anyone had a reason to “glory”, it would have been Abraham, however, he would have nothing to “boast about” before God Almighty. Everything “Abraham” did was empowered by “God”, and though he was obedient to God, he could have do none of his “works” outside of God's power. Jesus Christ fulfilled God's law, and His works were perfect. Therefore He is able to offer “salvation” to everyone who “believes and trusts” in Him.

Next time Paul shares how,“Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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