Romans 4:13

God's promise to Abraham and his descendants that the world would belong to him was not based on his keeping of the law, but because he was made right through his trust in God.

Free Bible Version

In The King James Version

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

In Context

12He is also the father of circumcised Jews not merely because they're circumcised, but because they follow the example of the trust in God our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.

14For if the promised inheritance is based on keeping the law, then the issue of trusting God is not necessary, and the promise is pointless.

Read all of Romans 4

Cross References

Genesis 17:4“Listen! This is the agreement I'm making with you. You will be the father of many nations,

Genesis 22:17you can be sure that I will bless you and give you many descendants. They will be as numerous as the stars of heaven and the sand of the seashore, and they will conquer their enemies.

Genesis 49:10Judah will always hold the scepter, and the staff of authority will always be at his feet until Shiloh comes; the nations will obey him.

Psalms 72:11Every king will bow down to him; every nation will serve him.

Galatians 3:16Now the promises were given to Abraham, and to his son. It doesn't say, “sons” as if plural, but singular: “and to your son,” meaning Christ.

Matthew Henry on Romans 4:10-23

The Case of Abraham. ( a. d. 58.) 9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. 11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not… Read the whole commentary →

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