Romans 4:18-25

Paul writes: "Though there seemed to be no hope, Abraham hoped and believed, being fully convinced that God is able to do what he has promised."

Paul argues that Abraham had faith, which was "reckoned to him as righteousness" (Genesis 15:6), because Abraham trusted in God's promise of descendants even when this seemed impossible. Paul relies on Abraham as an example of faith, because Abraham lived before the law of the covenant was given to the Israelites through Moses. This proves, Paul says, that faith is the only requirement for receiving God's promises.

The passage in Genesis, of course, has nothing to do with the argument in the early church about whether or not Jewish law is required of Christians. The gospel of Matthew is well aware of Genesis 15:6, but relates a saying by Jesus that he has come to fulfill the law of the covenant and not to abolish it. On this point, the church has followed Paul more than the teaching in the gospel of Matthew.

Grace and peace...Bob