Abraham according to Peter and Paul

October 7, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

The early church claimed a connection to Abraham. They saw Abraham as the source of true faith.

 

While preaching in the temple, Peter declared, “For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release him.” [Acts 3:13 NLT]

 

Peter continues to explain that Jesus was sent to Israel first so they would turn from their sinful ways (see Acts 3:26). He notes, “You are the children of those prophets, and you are included in the covenant God promised to your ancestors. For God said to Abraham, ‘Through your descendants all the families on earth will be blessed.” [Acts 3:35 NLT] This highlights their connection and advantage due to Abraham. It is also a picture of a missed opportunity.

 

Paul appealed to Abraham’s faith as the foundation of his argument that we are justified by faith apart from the law in Romans 4. He states, “For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” [Romans 4:3 ESV] Please notice, “believe” is not what theologians refer to as “works.” Believe is the simple response to God’s initiative.

 

Addressing circumcision, Paul insists, “And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.” [Romans 4:12 NLT] Even the basic mark of the Abrahamic covenant is not the avenue for our justification.

 

Continuing to define his theology, Paul states, “Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.” [Romans 4:13 NLT] So, faith creates a “right relationship” with God. While obedience is important it is not what causes or creates the right relationship.

 

Paul then introduces one of his favorite concepts, grace, in Romans 4:16, “That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,” [ESV]

 

He continues the line of reasoning appealing to a “proof” he used in Romans 1. “And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” [Romans 4:23 – 24 NLT] Jesus resurrection separates theological history and eternal destiny. What you do with the resurrection directs your future.