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, 17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. (Romans 4)
Let me begin by saying that the picture above is not completely accurate. The word "grace" should be much larger than the word "faith." The "promise" rests on the grace of God, Who also gives us our faith (Ephesians 2:8,9). But the two go hand in hand. Faith is part of God's great grace plan. It really has been all long, as Paul is pointing out in this passage. Our forgiveness, salvation and inheritance with God in heaven all are based upon His grace - the God-given ability, in Christ, to do what we cannot do on our own. Faith is consistent with that; works - doing it on our own - is not. Abraham was called "the father of the faith" with good reason. He followed in obedience to God but did make mistakes along the way. It was not because he was such a great man; he was called by God and given this promise of a people who would also follow God when he had done nothing to deserve it. The key is always found in the character and nature of God, which is found in our last phrase; He gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist. He does what no one else can do. That is what grace is too: God doing what no one else can do for themselves or others. Jesus has. He is worthy of our faith and our following.
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