Reflections for May 27, 2013 Day 141
I Chronicles 7-9, Psalm 117, Romans 4
The Ven. Dr. Bryan A. Hobbs
Paul’s Letter to the Romans is one of the clearest statements we have on “faith” and “grace”. Paul’s dramatic conversion chronicled in Acts 9, 22, and 26 is the backdrop for all of Paul’s dramatic writings in Romans. Faith and Grace are the cornerstones of the change which took place in Paul and which has had such a profound impact on the Church.
To begin with, Paul was a Pharisee’s Pharisee. He was such a zealot, so absolutely right, that he was about the business of destroying the early Christians infidels. He presided over the stoning of Steven and was on his way to Damascus in order to carry out even greater carnage. He, like the other Pharisees, was certain that they were correct about their “faith” and about the infidelity of those who followed Jesus! Paul and the Pharisees ever stand before us as examples of those who, from time to time, emphatically proclaim that they are right…righteous...when that is hardly the case much to their own demise as real truth is revealed. We often refer to such people as “self-righteous” because they fail to bear witness to the “real” truth.
Paul is the example of how Jesus can change even the most hardened heart by his very presence and call to ministry. Paul, being well versed in Scriptures and in the traditions of Judaism, was not your average person with religious convictions but a man of faith turned to zealous proclamation of what he knew. What a surprise…a blinding surprise…for Paul and all of us to realize that what he/we may have learned was only partial and what was being revealed by Jesus was complete and eternal. Wow…Paul’s firsthand experience with the Risen Lord changed his and our lives forever. All of Paul’s writings, especially Romans, is an attempt to put into words and actions the implications of what happened to him on the Road to Damascus, “the experience of God’s grace”. Rom. 5:2
Romans 4 is part of Paul’s argument that “faith” is the precursor of all and finds its origin as far back as Abraham, “the father of our race.” Rom. 1:1 In Romans 4 Paul lays out his argument about “faith” followed in Romans 5 by his magnificent statements on “grace”. In many ways “faith & grace” are so linked in Paul’s experience that there is barely a hair’s breadth between the two.
In Roman’s 4 we have such memorable phrases that have so enriched our faith. “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” (Vs 3) Paul is want to make a clear distinction between the “works” of faith and “faith” itself. For Paul, the cornerstone of Christianity is a person’s faith from which all behavior is transformed and not the other way around. “God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ.” (Rom.3:22) This is Paul’s experience and is the crown of his gift to us all. I personally think that there is room for “works” leading to “faith” but Paul’s witness is very impressive and persuasive.
Paul continues with statements that define and inspire our faith. “…Abraham is the spiritual father of us all.” “Abraham believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping, and so became ‘the father of many nations.’” (Vs 16-18) Paul’s insights have greatly inspired us for 20+ centuries and offered hope to millions who have been driven to the brink of despair and hopelessness. Paul’s experiences with faith in Jesus Christ always brings him and us back to hope “…even when there was no reason for hoping…” And then Paul scribes that Abraham believed in “the God who brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist.” (Vs 17-18) What a huge statement of hope and faith to which everyone can receive a portion of the breath of God.
Finally, Paul writes his final declaration on “faith” before moving to an even more transforming reality – “grace” in chapter 5. “His (Abraham’s) faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God’s promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God.” (Vs 20). All of what Paul is describing reminds us so much of the disciples continuing experience of Pentecost. Our lives are continually renewed by our “faith” which is a wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. Romans 5 brings this into much clearer focus.
I Chronicles 7-9, Psalm 117, Romans 4
The Ven. Dr. Bryan A. Hobbs
Paul’s Letter to the Romans is one of the clearest statements we have on “faith” and “grace”. Paul’s dramatic conversion chronicled in Acts 9, 22, and 26 is the backdrop for all of Paul’s dramatic writings in Romans. Faith and Grace are the cornerstones of the change which took place in Paul and which has had such a profound impact on the Church.
To begin with, Paul was a Pharisee’s Pharisee. He was such a zealot, so absolutely right, that he was about the business of destroying the early Christians infidels. He presided over the stoning of Steven and was on his way to Damascus in order to carry out even greater carnage. He, like the other Pharisees, was certain that they were correct about their “faith” and about the infidelity of those who followed Jesus! Paul and the Pharisees ever stand before us as examples of those who, from time to time, emphatically proclaim that they are right…righteous...when that is hardly the case much to their own demise as real truth is revealed. We often refer to such people as “self-righteous” because they fail to bear witness to the “real” truth.
Paul is the example of how Jesus can change even the most hardened heart by his very presence and call to ministry. Paul, being well versed in Scriptures and in the traditions of Judaism, was not your average person with religious convictions but a man of faith turned to zealous proclamation of what he knew. What a surprise…a blinding surprise…for Paul and all of us to realize that what he/we may have learned was only partial and what was being revealed by Jesus was complete and eternal. Wow…Paul’s firsthand experience with the Risen Lord changed his and our lives forever. All of Paul’s writings, especially Romans, is an attempt to put into words and actions the implications of what happened to him on the Road to Damascus, “the experience of God’s grace”. Rom. 5:2
Romans 4 is part of Paul’s argument that “faith” is the precursor of all and finds its origin as far back as Abraham, “the father of our race.” Rom. 1:1 In Romans 4 Paul lays out his argument about “faith” followed in Romans 5 by his magnificent statements on “grace”. In many ways “faith & grace” are so linked in Paul’s experience that there is barely a hair’s breadth between the two.
In Roman’s 4 we have such memorable phrases that have so enriched our faith. “Abraham believed God, and because of his faith God accepted him as righteous.” (Vs 3) Paul is want to make a clear distinction between the “works” of faith and “faith” itself. For Paul, the cornerstone of Christianity is a person’s faith from which all behavior is transformed and not the other way around. “God puts people right through their faith in Jesus Christ.” (Rom.3:22) This is Paul’s experience and is the crown of his gift to us all. I personally think that there is room for “works” leading to “faith” but Paul’s witness is very impressive and persuasive.
Paul continues with statements that define and inspire our faith. “…Abraham is the spiritual father of us all.” “Abraham believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping, and so became ‘the father of many nations.’” (Vs 16-18) Paul’s insights have greatly inspired us for 20+ centuries and offered hope to millions who have been driven to the brink of despair and hopelessness. Paul’s experiences with faith in Jesus Christ always brings him and us back to hope “…even when there was no reason for hoping…” And then Paul scribes that Abraham believed in “the God who brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist.” (Vs 17-18) What a huge statement of hope and faith to which everyone can receive a portion of the breath of God.
Finally, Paul writes his final declaration on “faith” before moving to an even more transforming reality – “grace” in chapter 5. “His (Abraham’s) faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God’s promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God.” (Vs 20). All of what Paul is describing reminds us so much of the disciples continuing experience of Pentecost. Our lives are continually renewed by our “faith” which is a wonderful gift of the Holy Spirit. Romans 5 brings this into much clearer focus.
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