Chapter 4
The
doctrine of justification by faith is shown by the case of Abraham
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1–12
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He
received the promise through the righteousness of faith
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13–22
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And
we are justified in the same way of believing
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23–25
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Verses 1–12
To meet
the views of the Jews, the apostle first refers to the example of Abraham, in
whom the Jews gloried as their most renowned forefather. However exalted in
various respects, he had nothing to boast in the presence of God, being saved
by grace, through faith, even as others. Without noticing the years which
passed before his call, and the failures at times in his obedience, and even in
his faith, it was expressly stated in Scripture that “he believed God, and it
was counted to him for righteousness,” Ge 15:6. From this example it is
observed, that if any man could work the full measure required by the law, the
reward must be reckoned as a debt, which evidently was not the case even of
Abraham, seeing faith was reckoned to him for righteousness. When believers are
justified by faith, “their faith being counted for righteousness,” their faith
does not justify them as a part, small or great, of their righteousness; but as
the appointed means of uniting them to Him who has chosen as the name whereby
he shall be called, “the Lord our Righteousness.” Pardoned people are the only
blessed people. It clearly appears from the Scripture, that Abraham was
justified several years before his circumcision. It is, therefore, plain that
this rite was not necessary in order to justification. It was a sign of the
original corruption of human nature. And it was such a sign as was also an
outward seal, appointed not only to confirm God’s promises to him and to his
seed, and their obligation to be the Lord’s, but likewise to assure him of his
being already a real partaker of the righteousness of faith. Thus Abraham was
the spiritual forefather of all believers, who walked after the example of his
obedient faith. The seal of the Holy Spirit in our sanctification, making us
new creatures, is the inward evidence of the righteousness of faith.
Verses 13–22
The
promise was made to Abraham long before the law. It points at Christ, and it
refers to the promise, Ge 12:3. In Thee shall all families of the earth be
blessed. The law worketh wrath, by showing that every transgressor is exposed
to the Divine displeasure. As God intended to give men a title to the promised
blessings, so he appointed it to be by faith, that it might be wholly of grace,
to make it sure to all who were of the like precious faith with Abraham,
whether Jews or Gentiles, in all ages. The justification and salvation of
sinners, the taking to himself the Gentiles who had not been a people, were a
gracious calling of things which are not, as though they were; and this giving
a being to things that were not, proves the almighty power of God. The nature
and power of Abraham’s faith are shown. He believed God’s testimony, and looked
for the performance of his promise, firmly hoping when the case seemed
hopeless. It is weakness of faith, that makes a man lie poring on the
difficulties in the way of a promise. Abraham took it not for a point that
would admit of argument or debate. Unbelief is at the bottom of all our
staggerings at God’s promises. The strength of faith appeared in its victory
over fears. God honours faith; and great faith honours God. It was imputed to
him for righteousness. Faith is a grace that of all others gives glory to God.
Faith clearly is the instrument by which we receive the righteousness of God,
the redemption which is by Christ; and that which is the instrument whereby we
take or receive it, cannot be the thing itself, nor can it be the gift thereby
taken and received. Abraham’s faith did not justify him by its own merit or
value, but as giving him a part in Christ.
Verses 23–25
The
history of Abraham, and of his justification, was recorded to teach men of
after-ages; those especially to whom the gospel was then made known. It is
plain, that we are not justified by the merit of our own works, but by faith in
Jesus Christ and his righteousness; which is the truth urged in this and the
foregoing chapter, as the great spring and foundation of all comfort. Christ
did meritoriously work our justification and salvation by his death and
passion, but the power and perfection thereof, with respect to us, depend on
his resurrection. By his death he paid our debt, in his resurrection he
received our acquittance, Isa 53:8. When he was discharged, we, in Him and
together with Him, received the discharge from the guilt and punishment of all
our sins. This last verse is an abridgement or summary of the whole gospel.
Excerpt from:
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Bible
Matthew Henry (1662 - 1714)
Rick Meyers.
Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. e-Sword ®: www.e-sword.net
