Paul refers back to Abraham because Abraham is the epitome of a man justified by faith alone, providing an Old Testament foundation for the doctrine.
Paul uses Abraham as a well-known Old Testament character to illustrate that justification has always been by faith, not works. Les Feldick emphasizes that Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing—no law, circumcision, or sacrifice—making him the perfect example for Paul's teaching on justification.
Romans 4:1-5 — Paul explicitly uses Abraham as an example of justification by faith, contrasting it with works.
Genesis 12:1-3 — The original promise to Abraham shows God's initiative and Abraham's response of faith.
In Romans 4, Paul directly addresses the question of Abraham's justification. He asks, "What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?" (Rom 4:1). Paul notes that if Abraham were justified by works, he would have something to boast about, but not before God. Scripture says, "Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness" (Rom 4:3). Paul then quotes David, who speaks of the blessedness of the man unto whom God imputes righteousness without works (Rom 4:6-8). Paul further argues that Abraham received this righteousness before circumcision, making him the father of all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile (Rom 4:9-12). The promise to Abraham that he should be the heir of the world was not through the law, but through the righteousness of faith (Rom 4:13). Paul concludes that Abraham "staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God" (Rom 4:20). Thus, the Bible presents Abraham as the scriptural foundation for justification by faith, showing that this principle is not a new teaching but rooted in the Old Testament.
Les Feldick explains that Paul refers back to Abraham because Abraham is the epitome of faith—a man justified by faith alone, without any works. In the transcripts, Les highlights that Abraham was steeped in idolatry when God called him out of Ur, yet he believed God and was declared righteous. Les emphasizes the vast difference between "believing God" (which becomes faith) and just "believing in God" (a mere recognition of His existence). Les points out that Abraham did not have the law, did not practice circumcision, and did not offer sacrifices for justification. He simply took God at His Word, plus nothing added. This makes Abraham an ideal example for Paul to show that justification by faith is not a new concept but has always been God's way. Les also notes that Paul uses Abraham more than any other Old Testament character, and in Galatians, Paul even says that those who are of faith are children of Abraham, though this does not make Gentiles into Jews.
According to Les Feldick, Abraham (then Abram) was born a Syrian and came out of Ur of the Chaldees, a city steeped in idolatry. He had no knowledge of the One True God when God reached down in grace and told him to leave his country, his family, and go to a place God would show him. Abraham believed God and was justified by faith, not by any works or religious practices.
Les Feldick teaches that Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing. He did not have the law, did not practice circumcision, and did not offer sacrifices. In the same way, we are saved by faith alone, with nothing added. Paul uses Abraham to show that justification by faith is consistent throughout Scripture, and that we, like Abraham, are declared righteous by believing God.
Les Feldick calls Abraham the epitome of faith because, when God promised him a son through his 90-year-old wife, Sarah, at age 100, he "staggered not in unbelief" but believed God. Abraham's faith was not based on what he could do but on trusting God's promise. This makes him the perfect example for Paul's teaching on justification by faith.
Paul as God's Instrument
Les explains that Paul's writings are inspired by the Holy Spirit, not human intellect, so we should see Abraham as an example given by God.
Abraham as an Ideal Example
Paul uses Abraham as an ideal example of a man justified by faith, known to most Bible readers.
Faith Without Additions
Paul uses Abraham to show that justification is by taking God at His Word, with nothing added.
Abraham's Staggering Faith
Abraham's faith at age 100, believing God's promise of a son, exemplifies true faith that does not stagger in unbelief.
Abraham's Call from Idolatry
Abraham was steeped in idolatry but believed God, showing that justification is by faith alone, not from prior good works.
Justified by Doing Nothing
Paul goes back to Abraham as the perfect example of being justified, made totally righteous by faith and faith alone, plus nothing.
Saved by Faith Plus Nothing
Abraham was saved without law, circumcision, or sacrifice—simply by doing what God said, which connects to our salvation by faith alone.
Paul's Frequent Use of Abraham
Paul alludes to Abraham more than any other Old Testament character, and in Galatians, he calls believers children of faith.
Romans 4:1-3: What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Paul introduces Abraham as the example of justification by faith, quoting Genesis 15:6.
Genesis 12:1-3: Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: And I will make of thee a great nation, and I will bless thee, and make thy name great; and thou shalt be a blessing: And I will bless them that bless thee, and curse him that curseth thee: and in thee shall all families of the earth be blessed.
God's call to Abraham and the promise that all families of the earth would be blessed through him.
Romans 4:20-21: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.
Paul highlights Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promise.
Paul chose Abraham because he was a well-known Old Testament figure who was justified by faith alone, without works, law, or circumcision. Abraham's example shows that justification by faith is not a new doctrine but has been God's way from the beginning.
Abraham was declared righteous by God because he believed God's promise, not because of any works he did. He simply took God at His Word, and God counted that faith as righteousness.
Just as Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing, we too are saved by faith alone in Christ, without adding works, law, or religious rituals. Paul uses Abraham to show that this principle has always been true.
Watch the Teaching: Abraham Believed God — Romans 4 & Justification by Faith