Romans Chapter 4 Vs. 14

The Promise Realized Through Faith

For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Rom 4:14

is made void... Greek: kenoo, has been emptied (1Cor. 1:17; 9:15; 2Cor. 9:3; Phlp. 2:7).

of none effect... Greek: katargeo, see, Rom. 3:31.

We see the law is totally different from the justification by faith that came from Abraham. Abraham was not promised to bless all nations through the law which was given to just one nation, (Israel) but the promise came through faith. His seed that we have mentioned so many times before in these lessons is all the believers in Christ.

Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”

Galatians 3:29 “And if ye [be] Christ’s, then are ye Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.”

If only those who perfectly keep the law, (an impossibility) receive the promise, faith has no value. Making a promise contingent on an impossible condition nullifies the promise.

You can easily see, if you can see heir-ship by work, it would not be by promise. Law is exacting and must be obeyed to the letter, but the grace of Jesus Christ leaves opportunity for repentance and new life. Abraham did not earn the right, he believed God and that was enough. God wants us to trust Him.

Actually Abraham’s promise from God was two fold. He was promised in the physical the Promised Land (Israel). In the spirit these promises went much further. The promise of the spirit was not of this earth, but for the Promised Land (heaven) for all who believe.