Abraham was not only a man of faith, Abraham was a great man if faith. In Romans chapter 4 he becomes the father of all the faithful, not only the patriach of a nation, Israel but the patriach of the faithful! In Abraham's journey of faith he grasped 3 great truths: Trusted in the the Promises of God Rested in the Power of God Looked for the Glory of God Abraham appreciated that God's plans and purposes for us are not for us to fulfill or make happen, but rather they are called into being by God. The provision of the promised land, the abundance for the beseiged city of Samaria in 2 Kings was not a prvision of our making or doing. As believers we are called into what God Himself has done and provided, resting in faith in the one who provides this great and abundant provision rather than in the provision itself. Romans chapter 4, Abraham the father of the faithful.

Dr J Stewart Gillespie

Romans is in essence Paul's answer to a number of serious questions. Is it fair that some are judged never having heard the gospel? The answer is found in Romans chapters 1 to 3. Is justification by faith a new teaching, a new idea from Paul? The answer is found in Romans chapter 4. How can I know I am saved if I do not feel like I am saved? Romans chapter 7 contains that answer. Here in Romans chapter 4 we have the answer to the question, why does God save by faith. The reason for salvation by faith alone is that it is the only means to rest in God's infinite Grace. Since salvation is all of Grace then salvation is for the Glory of God alone. Dr J Stewart Gillespie

The story of Abrahams journey from failure and the flesh to faith and justification is an inspiring one. Like many of our journeys, Abrahams began with failure! His world at times fell apart. It was faith in his God that moved Abraham forward into covenant blessing in Genesis 15. Justification by faith was his by resting in a finished work, already complete rather than attempting to keep the law and establish his own righteousness. Like Noah, Daniel and Job Abrahams righteousness was his by resting in the Lord. 

Dr J Stewart Gillespie

Justification by faith alone in Jesus Christ, introduced in Romans chapter 3 brings with it blessing after blessing after blessings as we see in Romans chapter 4 verses 6 to 8. These riches eternal and blessings supernal are unfolded for us in the subsequent chapters in the book of Romans. We are enriched with the blessings of: peace with God (Romans 5); prayer and access to God (Romans 5); purpose in our trials and afflictions (Romans 5), the power to live the Christian life (Romans 6) and the indwelling presence of God's Holy Spirit. 

Dr J Stewart Gillespie

Following in the steps of faithful Abraham (Romans chapter 4 verse 12) reminds us that a salvation that begins in faith results in a life that continues in faith. Salvation faith is followed by sanctification faith. The Christian life that begins in faith continues in faith. The life of faith in Abraham can be traced through the altars which Abraham built at critical points of his journey. An altar of worship An altar of guidance An altar of fellowship An altar of consecration and commitment 

Dr J Stewart Gillespie 

Romans chapter 4 verse 1 and Genesis chapters 14 and 15 recount the life changing decision made by Abraham to find the fullness of joy, hope and satisfication by rejecting the world, letting go of all the things he could get and resting in God Himself. Beyond all that he found he could get in this world, what he really needed was God. It was Melchizedek, a type or picture of Jesus who prepared Abraham for that fateful encounter and empowered him to make the right decision when he encountered the king of Sodom, refusing the goods of Sodom and moving ultimately forward in faith, resting in his God. Abraham believed God and it was credited to him for righteousness. Abraham was amongst the very first to enjoy the blessing of justification by faith. 

Dr J Stewart Gillespie 

Systematic teaching from Romans

Justification boy Faith is traced back to Abraham in Romans chapter 4. Abraham discovered that salvation was by Faith and not by the flesh. Justification by faith is the beginning of a life of faith leading on from salvation to sustained by God, sanctification and glorification and satisfaction with God.