“What shall we say … that Abraham … hath found?”
Romans 4:1
This Epistle is one of, if not the fullest statement of Christian theology and faith given to us by Paul or any other writer. It demonstrates the New Testament’s Hebrew roots while spelling out the means of salvation for the Gentile and God’s plan to glorify Himself in the entire world through the work of His Son Jesus.
He traces God’s work all the way back to “the creation of the world” ( 1:20 ).
He shows the choosing of the Jews to be a great “advantage” (3:1)
however, it was squandered through unbelief (3:3) and sinful living ( 3:23 ).
He establishes the guilt of all men before God ( 3:23 ) but holds up a banner of Hope and Grace in declaring “Redemption” ( 3:24 ) freely available through Christ.
Time and space will not permit a full treatment of this comprehensive work here, but it has been described as
“The Great Epistle of Theology, The Epistle Written for Every Man, The Church’s Last Testament, The Gospel’s Main Truth and God’s Worldwide Plan for Israel and the Gentiles.” (TPOSB) It is an extremely important book! Of special interest to us today is the fact that Paul described humanity’s need (Both Jew and Gentile) and announced that at least one man, Abraham, had found something of great value. Paul requires the reader at first, to look closely and consider a number of theological details. In doing so, there are three things “Abraham found” that come to light:
- Blessing
Paul equates the experience of David to Abraham’s and to all who have righteousness imputed to them whether by works or by grace! “Blessed are…they…whose sins are covered” (4: 7) Every Christian believer who is conscious of “SINS FORGIVEN” can identify with this great blessing! And if God will forgive Sin, the question begs to be asked, “What Blessing would He withhold from those He Loves?”
- Heritage
Abraham had left everything of any value behind when he left Ur of the Chaldees. He spent his entire adult life wondering from one water hole to another looking for a few blades of green grass and a few moments of security in a hostile world! Now it is revealed this tent dweller “Is the Heir of the World!” (4:13-14)
- Life
Abraham had almost arrived at the end of his earthly journey without a Son or anyone to carry his name or memory into the future. His linage was dead, his dreams were dead, and his hope for the future was dead. Then he had a Great Revelation! “God…gives life to the dead…” ( 4:17 )
These three wonderful things are woven into chapter four. They were found by Abraham, they can be a part of your life by Faith! You too can find Blessing, Heritage and Life!
Paul seems to be caught up in the excitement of Abraham’s discovery but abruptly abandons the theological details to blurt out, “…we have peace…we have access… and rejoice… patience… hope… the love of God… the Holy Ghost…is given unto us… we shall be saved” (5:1-9)
What a wonderful list of great things Abraham and his descendants in the Faith have found! What have you found?
- Peace is available through the Prince of Peace.
- Access is especially precious to those who know what it means to be excluded or shut out.
- You can have Joy in a world full of sadness!
- The NKJV uses the word Perseverance for patience; you can persevere, because the Lord is going to help you!
- You can have Hope instead of despair.
- You can know that the Love of God is set on you and the Holy Spirit is in you and you shall be saved!
In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus told of a man who “found…a pearl of great price,” (Mt 13:46 ) he sold everything he had to invest in that treasure!
What is FOUND in Christ is worth everything.
Have you “Found” this treasure?
Have you “Invested” your life in this treasure?