"Now it was not written for hids sake alone... but for us also.."
Paul progresses in an orderly and logical fashion through this epistle. His theme is the gospel of Christ. In chapter 1 through to chapter 3:20 he reveals the necessity of the gospel. From verse 20 he describes the nature of the gospel, giving us a clear exposition of what the gospel is. Then in chapter 5 he enters upon the blessings and benefits which the gospel imparts to all who believe. But in between the explanation of ch.3 and the blessings of chapter 5, Paul devotes an entire chapter to the experience and example of Abraham. The question we must consider is, Why? Why does he not proceed to discuss the blessings of the gospel? Why does he go way back to the Old Testament, to the first book of the Bible and deal with Abraham?
This message considers the reason for Paul's inclusion of Abraham at this point in the letter.
First: He shows that the Old Testament scriptures were written for New Testament believers, v24
Second: He shows that OT saints were saved in the same way as NT believers, verse 1-8
Third: He shows how NT believers ought to read and study the OT scriptures, verse 10-11.
In essence Paul in this chapter is revealing that the gospel of the New Testament era is in reality old light through a new window. It is the light which Abraham saw, revealing the only way of salvation, by grace through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. |
