In this engaging Bible study session from November 2, 2025, led by Cole Tuck, the group delves into Romans chapters 3 and 4, emphasizing that all humanity—Jews and Gentiles alike—is guilty of sin and cannot boast in self-righteousness. Paul argues that true justification comes through faith in Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, not through works or adherence to the law, which only highlights our shortcomings and brings wrath.
Using Abraham as a prime example, Cole illustrates how faith predates circumcision and the law, making Abraham the father of all believers by faith, not lineage. The discussion highlights grace as unmerited favor, forgiveness over repayment, and faith as trusting God’s promises, even against impossible odds, like Abraham’s late-life fatherhood. This message underscores that salvation is God’s gift, crediting righteousness to the believer and giving all glory to Him, while rejecting any system that allows human boasting.
Talking Points
- Universal Sinfulness: Paul establishes in Romans 1-3 that everyone—Jews and Gentiles—is under sin, eliminating any grounds for boasting based on heritage or works.
- Justification by Faith, Not Works: Salvation is through faith in Jesus’ atoning work on the cross, not personal achievements; works would allow boasting, but faith credits righteousness as a gift from God.
- No Room for Boasting: As a reformer noted, humans contribute only sin to salvation—Jesus provides the solution, leaving no credit for the individual.
- The Role of the Law: Faith does not nullify the law but establishes it; the law reveals sin and wrath but cannot justify, as perfect obedience is impossible except by Jesus.
- Abraham as the Model: Abraham was justified by faith before circumcision, making him the father of all believers (Jews and Gentiles) through faith, not physical descent or law-keeping.
- Grace vs. Wages: Works earn what is due, like a paycheck, but faith receives unmerited grace; David’s psalm highlights forgiveness, not repayment, of sins.
- Old Testament Insights: Figures like David understood grace under the old covenant, looking forward to Jesus’ sacrifice, which forgives sins that animal offerings could not.
- Faith Defined: True faith is not mere belief in God’s existence but trusting His promises and ability to perform them, as Abraham did despite his and Sarah’s advanced age.
- Implications for Today: Modern claims of being “good enough” for heaven reflect justification by works; true salvation points solely to Jesus, glorifying God and relieving the impossible burden of perfect law-keeping.