Eph. 1:3-6 – He chose us that we might stand before Him holy and without blame.
God’s purposes are not thwarted by man’s frailty. God’s purposes are not dependent upon man’s ability. God’s purposes for the believer SHALL be carried out.
Phil. 1:6 – He will perform that good work in us until the day of Jesus Christ.
I Cor. 1:8-9 – He will confirm us to the end, that we may be blameless in the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Rom. 8:28-30 – God’s purpose is to transform all those He called into the image of His Son and to glorify them. Nothing and no one will ever hinder this purpose from being carried out (vs. 31).
God’s purpose is that no true believer ever be lost. (John 6:37-40)
Heb. 6:13-18 – The Abrahamic Covenant is an example of the unconditional nature of God’s promises.
God has promised eternal life to all those who believe. He has also promised that they shall not come into condemnation. (John 5:24)
Heb. 6:13 – the covenant was unilateral (Cf. Gen. 15:8-17)
Vs. 14 – “I will” demonstrates the unconditional nature; God did all the work; God makes all the promises.
Vs. 15 – fulfillment was delayed, but it was sure.
Vs. 16 – once ratified, there can be no more arguing over the terms or changing of terms.
Vs. 17 – God reassured Abram by an oath – it is confirmed and unchangeable.
Rom. 4:16 – Grace/faith make the covenant 100% dependent upon God and thus SURE!
The subject of this context is salvation: justification by grace through faith (4:1-9)
Paul’s point is that salvation is either by law/works or it is by grace/faith.
These two are mutually exclusive. There can be no mixing of these two concepts or systems. (vs.4-5,14; 11:6)
Paul then explains that salvation is by the grace/faith system. (vs.3,5)
Abraham is used as an example. God’s promise to Abraham was not according to the law, but according to faith. (vs.13) That’s the way God works. That’s the way God makes promises.
Paul’s conclusion: (vs. 16)
God’s promise of salvation is by FAITH… so that it might be by grace… and not according to man’s ability to keep the law.
What is the reason or purpose for making salvation by faith/grace? SO THAT it might be SURE!
The moment one introduces works (man’s effort/ability) then salvation becomes uncertain… unsure.
But when it is by means of faith/grace… then it is sure, because it does not depend upon man’s ability, but it depends upon God’s ability and His faithfulness. That makes it certain.
The only system that guarantees SECURITY is a system of grace – that removes man’s ability and effort totally from the equation.
Paul’s point: because salvation is by grace, it is therefore SURE… certain… secure…