Justification Is by Faith Alone, but Not by a Faith That Is Alone. the Reformers

Romans 4:1-8

Faith of Our Fathers—Abraham & David

“Justification is by faith alone, but not by a faith that is alone.” The Reformers

Introduction: 2 Peter 2:21, “For it would have been better for them never to have known the way of righteousness than after knowing it to turn back from the holy commandment delivered to them.”

Verses 1-2, “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.”

Abraham’s Justification:

1) Was not:

2) Was not:

Verse 3, “For what does the Scripture say?”Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

Abraham’s Example: (Genesis 15)

1) He trusted:

2) He was considered:

What About Works?

James 2:14-25

The faith that Abraham possessed will:

1) Manifest itself:

2) Produce:

3) Will be proven:

This is why Abraham is the perfect example for both Paul and James:

1) He:

2) He:

3) He:

Verse 4, “Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.”

“Works” Righteousness:

1) Makes:

2) Robs:

3) Puts:

Verse 5, “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,”

“Faith” Righteousness:

1) Is only:

2) Provides:

Verses 6-8, “just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.’”

Blessings of Justification

It doesn’t get any better than justification by faith alone because:

1) Our:

2) Our:

3) Our:

Conclusion: ______believed God and it was counted to her as righteousness.