Scripture Reading: Genesis 15

Sermon Outline
I. The context
a. “After these things.” Abram’s response to God seems to show a sign of his
doubt on God’s promise. God understood and confirmed His promise.
b. In confirming His promise, God has simply acted consistently with Himself, as
He always does and always must.

II. The means of justification (v. 6)
a. Romans 4:1-5, “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather
according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has
something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture
say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’
Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.
And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the
ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.”
b. How can Abram be just before God? Paul answers: “It is not by works but by
faith.”
c. Works mean conformity to the moral law and obedience to the ceremonial law
(see Rom 4:10).
d. Hebrews 11:8 says, “By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a
place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing
where he was going.”
e. John Calvin: The circumstance of time it is recorded in the Scripture that God
counted Abram’s faith as righteousness is very important and critical.
f. Faith is not the ground but the means of his righteousness.
g. Westminster Confession of Faith: “Faith, thus receiving and resting on Christ
and his righteousness, is the alone instrument of justification.”

III. The faith that leads to justification is the faith in the personal promise
of God regarding the Messiah or Christ (v. 5,6).
(i) Abram believed in the promise of God concerning his offspring – Jesus Christ.

Galatians 3:16, “Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, ‘And to offsprings,’ referring to many, but referring to one, ‘And to your offspring,’ who is Christ.”
Genesis 22:18 “and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed.” Only through Jesus Christ, there will be many who will be blessed.
John 8:56, “Your father Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day. He saw it and was glad.”
Galatians 3:8, “[T]he Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, ‘In you shall all the nations be blessed.’”

(ii) Abram showed faith in the promise as made to him.
a. Galatians 2:20, “[He] loved me, and gave Himself for me”.

IV. The faith that justifies will persevere to the end (v. 18).
a. The faith that counts has the seal of the covenant.
b. God made a unilateral covenant with Abram in which He took full responsibility
for the fulfilment of these promises.
c. Abram's assurance is also our (every justified believer) assurance.
d. Luke 22:20, “This cup that is poured out for you is the new covenant in My
blood.”

V. Conclusion
a. How can a sinful person like me be right before a holy God? Can you settle that
question by trusting God’s Word concerning Christ?
b. Do you know Jesus Christ has saved you?

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