Romans 4:13-17 - Outline and Summary

God’s promise that Abraham and his offspring would inherit the world, did not come through the Law given to Israel by Moses. On the contrary, the promise came through the righteousness that comes by faith. This makes Abraham the spiritual Father of all those (whether Jew or Gentile) who receive the heavenly inheritance of God by faith apart from works (law-keeping). (Romans 4:13-17)

The Order of Events in Genesis and Exodus:

• It was not through [the Mosaic] Law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that [Abraham] would be heir of the world [i.e. the renovated world, the new heavens and new earth], (Romans 4:13)

• But through the righteousness that comes by faith.

• For if those who live by Law [i.e. the Jews who claimed to keep the Law of Moses] are heirs, [2 things follow:]

– Faith has no value and

– The promise is worthless

• [WHY?] Because Law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. (Romans 4:14-15)

• Therefore, the promise [which God gave to Abraham and his offspring] comes by faith, so that

– It may be by grace and

– May be guaranteed to all Abraham's [spiritual or believing] offspring--

• Not only to those who are of the Law [i.e. Jews]

• But also to those who are of the faith of Abraham [i.e. Gentiles].

– [Abraham] is the father of us all.

– As it is written [in Genesis 17:5]: "I have made you a father of many nations."

• [Conclusion]: [Abraham] is our [spiritual] Father [i.e. of all believers, Jews and Gentiles alike] in the sight of God, in whom [Abraham] believed-- the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were. (Romans 4:16-17)