In Chapter 3, Paul introduced a new radical concept that there is a righteousness based on faith and not on what we do (our works). This claim flies in the face of our experience and expectations. Even for Christians who have begun in faith and have known no else, there is a tendency and draw to living our lives in an achievement-oriented way. Everything in the world around us is based on the concept of working hard to receive a benefit and this is indeed a Biblical value (Proverbs 14:23). There is even a saying that many attribute to the Bible "God helps those who help themselves" (but is absolutely not Biblical) that reflects and feeds into this feeling. Paul had to rebuke the Galatian believers for starting in faith and then trying to continue on in the flesh (Galatians 3:3).
So when Paul introduces this "new righteousness" that is an unearned gift from God, he has some explaining to do. And that is exactly what he does in chapter 4. In 3:21 he had even claimed that the Law and the Prophets testify to this type of righteousness so now he is demonstrating this. He is building a proof for his claim so he brings two witnesses (Deut 13:15) and gives two examples from the Old Testament: 1) Abraham's righteousness by faith 2) David's testifying of the blessedness of one whose sins are forgiven (here the person is not righteous on their own, but they are forgiven).
Paul spends the most time discussing Abraham, proving that this righteousness by faith applies not just to those who are circumcised (Jews) but to gentiles as well. That is great news for me and you! God is forgiving our sins when we trust in him who rose Jesus from the dead and make him our lord, he who was delivered up for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification!
So Can We Go On Sinning?
The tricky question then comes "If I am declared righteous as a gift and not by what I've done, can I then continue sinning and it doesn't matter?" Paul clearly answers this as "NO!" in chapter 6. He says that we should obey Christ's law and call for holiness, but that this obedience and our actions are not the basis of our righteousness nor our salvation. If we try to trust in our goodness or our obedience to save us, then we will fail! All we can do is keep putting our faith and trust in Jesus. But true faith will produce obedience, works done in a response of love. As James says "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17). The difference is that our faith in Christ is what saves us and by which we are declared righteous so that we cannot boast or be proud of our righteousness (because it is not something we did or earned) (Romans 3:27). The works then flow from our love and obedience to the God who saved us, and who changes us and gives us the ability and desire to obey (Phil 2:13).
Thank you Father for your love! Thank you Jesus for your love and sacrifice! I am truly blessed that you have forgiven my sins, though they are many and though I have done nothing to deserve your forgiveness! I trust in you, believe in you and you are my lord and king!
So when Paul introduces this "new righteousness" that is an unearned gift from God, he has some explaining to do. And that is exactly what he does in chapter 4. In 3:21 he had even claimed that the Law and the Prophets testify to this type of righteousness so now he is demonstrating this. He is building a proof for his claim so he brings two witnesses (Deut 13:15) and gives two examples from the Old Testament: 1) Abraham's righteousness by faith 2) David's testifying of the blessedness of one whose sins are forgiven (here the person is not righteous on their own, but they are forgiven).
Paul spends the most time discussing Abraham, proving that this righteousness by faith applies not just to those who are circumcised (Jews) but to gentiles as well. That is great news for me and you! God is forgiving our sins when we trust in him who rose Jesus from the dead and make him our lord, he who was delivered up for our sins and raised from the dead for our justification!
So Can We Go On Sinning?
The tricky question then comes "If I am declared righteous as a gift and not by what I've done, can I then continue sinning and it doesn't matter?" Paul clearly answers this as "NO!" in chapter 6. He says that we should obey Christ's law and call for holiness, but that this obedience and our actions are not the basis of our righteousness nor our salvation. If we try to trust in our goodness or our obedience to save us, then we will fail! All we can do is keep putting our faith and trust in Jesus. But true faith will produce obedience, works done in a response of love. As James says "faith without works is dead" (James 2:17). The difference is that our faith in Christ is what saves us and by which we are declared righteous so that we cannot boast or be proud of our righteousness (because it is not something we did or earned) (Romans 3:27). The works then flow from our love and obedience to the God who saved us, and who changes us and gives us the ability and desire to obey (Phil 2:13).
Thank you Father for your love! Thank you Jesus for your love and sacrifice! I am truly blessed that you have forgiven my sins, though they are many and though I have done nothing to deserve your forgiveness! I trust in you, believe in you and you are my lord and king!
In Chinese culture, these is similar saying to "God helps those who help themselves" though most people don't know who God is but consider God as some one above the heaven. I believe if we trust God and seek Him first, we will receive the help and direction from Him, which are much better than our own. I also like the description, "true faith will produce obedience". This helps me understand more clearly about the difference and relationship between having faith in Jesus and obeying His law.
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