Romans 4:1-3, How Was Abraham Saved?

Romans 4:1-3 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? 2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. 3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

God’s plan of salvation for the scattered nations of the world (Gen. 10-11) was through a special nation Israel that will bring forth the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ. Abraham was the grandfather of the Jacob by whom the nation of Israel found her existence.

Although Abraham was a great man whom God used to bring forth the Saviour, he was saved not by any merits he had before God. He was a great man in the sight of the Jews. Nevertheless, Abraham was a sinner like us. He was also saved by faith when he believed God. He believed God’s plan to justify sinners was through the merit of His Son Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the descendent of Abraham according to the flesh, and yet He was God Himself!

Indeed, as Paul declared in 1 Timothy 3:16 And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory. 

Jesus testified that although He is descended from Abraham, He preceded Abraham in John 8:58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. Jesus existed before Abraham was born. This is only possible because Jesus is God.

Abraham was not saved because he obeyed God’s instruction to be circumcised in the flesh. Nothing of what Abraham did gain him any merit before God to justify his salvation. Abraham was saved because he believed in God’s plan of salvation through the Man Jesus Christ who is God Himself! The great truth we declare to the world. All men must humble themselves before God to accept this glorious way by which they are saved! Amen.