City Life Starter

I. Text: Romans 4:22-25

“Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us.  It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.” (NKJV)

II. Study Questions

1. What is justification by faith alone?

2. Why is the finished work of Christ important to us?

Paul’s understanding of the faith of Abraham was not only to Jews alone, but also to Gentiles as we have seen in the previous verses of the chapter.  Now that Paul has established the inclusiveness of justification by faith, he proceeds to magnify the finished work of Christ, substitutionary atonement, and resurrection for our justification.  

“Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us.”

As Paul summarizes his final thought of justification by faith, he describes that story the of Abraham was written beyond time and space, foreshadowing things to come.  The story of Abraham serves as a true example of Justification by faith alone.  Abraham’s decision to leave his past, culture, heritage, safety and family, all for the one true God serves as an example for Christians on what is required of us.

The finished work of Christ is for us, what Jesus has accomplished through his virgin birth, sinless life, death on the cross, resurrection on the third day, ascent into heaven and to be seated at the right hand of the Father are for you and I.  This is the gospel, the good news, that should be reminded and celebrated in the life of believers.  JY