Resurrection Faith: Peace Today, Glory Tomorrow
Romans 5:1–2 (NLT)
1 Therefore, since we have been made right in God’s sight by faith, we have peace with God because of what Jesus Christ our Lord has done for us. 2 Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory.
Message
Over the last few weeks, we have studied how faith makes us right with God (Romans 3:21–4:25 NLT).
Abraham was made right with God by believing in ‘what God was going to do’ —that God would give him countless descendants (Genesis 15:5-6). Even as Abraham and Sarah grew old without a child, he believed that God could give life to bodies that were “as good as dead” (Romans 4:17-19). Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise; instead, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God (Romans 4:20 NLT).
As for us, we are made right with God by believing in ‘what God has already done through Christ’ (1). Christ Jesus died, was buried, and on the third day God raised Him back to life (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Through our faith in His death and resurrection, we have been justified (1).
Romans 5:2 (NLT) tells us that because of our faith, Christ has brought us into:
- this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand (our present standing in grace)
- and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory (our future salvation and glorification).
Today’s scripture allows us to briefly revisit both Abraham’s faith and our own —faith in the God who raises the dead. And today, on Resurrection Sunday, 5 April 2026, we celebrate the very power that makes our justification, our peace, and our future glory certain.
Happy Resurrection Sunday, everyone!
The Faith of Abraham
Romans 4:16–25 (NLT)
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe. 17 That is what the Scriptures mean when God told him, “I have made you the father of many nations.” This happened because Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life and who creates new things out of nothing.
18 Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” 19 And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb.
20 Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God. 21 He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises. 22 And because of Abraham’s faith, God counted him as righteous. 23 And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded 24 for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 25 He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
Message
I. The Promise Comes by Faith Alone (16)
Last week, we studied “The Promise is by Grace, Not Legal Performance” (Romans 4:13-15 NLT). So, verse 16 summarizes it:
16 So the promise is received by faith. It is given as a free gift. And we are all certain to receive it, whether or not we live according to the law of Moses, if we have faith like Abraham’s. For Abraham is the father of all who believe.
Abraham is not only the father of the Jews but also the spiritual father of all who believe (16; see also Romans 4:11-12 NLT). God told Abraham, “I have made you the father of many nations.” (Genesis 17:5) That is, God promised him not just one nation, Israel, but many nations. This is possible because whoever has faith like Abraham’s is his descendant, regardless of whether he is a Jew or a Gentile (17a).
II. Faith like Abraham’s is this (17-25)
- Abraham believed in the God who brings the dead back to life (19; Hebrews 11:19; Genesis 22) and who creates new things out of nothing (17b).
- Even when there was no reason for hope, Abraham kept hoping—believing that he would become the father of many nations. For God had said to him, “That’s how many descendants you will have!” (18; Genesis 15:5)
- And Abraham’s faith did not weaken, even though, at about 100 years of age, he figured his body was as good as dead—and so was Sarah’s womb (19).
- Abraham never wavered in believing God’s promise. In fact, his faith grew stronger, and in this he brought glory to God (20). He was fully convinced that God is able to do whatever he promises (21).
And because of Abraham’s faith shown above, God counted him as righteous (22). This was recorded (23b) for our benefit, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in Him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead (24). He was handed over to die because of our sins, and He was raised to life to make us right with God (25).
III. Call to Faith
Even though unbelievers are spiritually dead, they can be raised from death and become children of God through faith in Jesus Christ.
And even though believers still have weaknesses, they are covered by His redemption on the cross. As they continue in faith, they grow, and their lives begin to give glory to God.
Therefore, let us live by faith—like Abraham—fully convinced that God will do what He has promised.
The Promise Is by Grace, Not Legal Performance
Romans 4:13–15 (NLT)
13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith. 14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless. 15 For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it. (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
Message
I. The Nature of the Promise (13)
See verse 13.
13 Clearly, God’s promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descendants was based not on his obedience to God’s law, but on a right relationship with God that comes by faith.
“Gods promise to give the whole earth to Abraham and his descenants” is referring to Genesis 17:8 NLT.
8 And I will give the entire land of Canaan, where you now live as a foreigner, to you and your descendants. It will be their possession forever, and I will be their God.”
God made this covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8 NLT) as well as Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4, 24) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15, Genesis 35:11-12). The blessings God promised them include:
- Countless descendants (Genesis 17:2), extreme fruitfulness (Genesis 17:6)
- God Almighty will always be their God (Genesis 17:1, 7)
- The eternal possession of the entire land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8) or the whole earth (Romans 4:13)
II. The Hypothetical Scenario (14)
See verse 14.
14 If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary and the promise is pointless.
Here, Paul argues hypothetically.
- The hypothesis is “If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law” (14a)
The logical consequences are
- Faith is useless (14b).
- The promise becomes meaningless (14c).
III. Why the Law Cannot Secure the Promise (15a)
Verse 15a says the reason:
15a For the law always brings punishment on those who try to obey it.
No one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands, but the law simply shows us how sinful we are (Romans 3:20, 5:20a).
Even if we try to obey the law (15a2), the law reveals sin (Romans 3:20, 5:20a) and brings judgment and punishment (15a1).
IV. The Only Escape From Condemnation (15b)
Finally see verse 15b.
15b (The only way to avoid breaking the law is to have no law to break!)
This verse reminds us of following verses:
- James 2:13b (NKJV, ESV, NIV)
Mercy triumphs over judgment.
- Proverbs 10:12 (NKJV).
Hatred stirs up strife, But love covers all sins.
- 1 Peter 4:8 (NLT)
8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.
- Matthew 5:7 (NLT)
7 God blesses those who are merciful,
for they will be shown mercy.
- Matthew 6:14–15 (NLT)
14 “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. 15 But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
- Hosea 6:6 (NLT)
6 I want you to show love (or mercy),
not offer sacrifices.
I want you to know me
more than I want burnt offerings.
Abraham: The Spiritual Father of All Who Believe
Romans 4:9–12 (NLT)
9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles? Well, we have been saying that Abraham was counted as righteous by God because of his faith. 10 But how did this happen? Was he counted as righteous only after he was circumcised, or was it before he was circumcised? Clearly, God accepted Abraham before he was circumcised!
11 Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised. So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith. 12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Message
I. The Question: Is the Blessing Only for the Jews? (9)
Last week we learned that righteousness is not our wage but God’s gift (Romans 4:4-8). Now Paul asks in verse 9a.
9 Now, is this blessing only for the Jews, or is it also for uncircumcised Gentiles?
II. Abraham Was Declared Righteous Before Circumcision (10, 11a)
To answer this question, Paul looks at the case of Abraham.
When Abraham was younger than 86, God counted Abraham as righteous because of his faith (9b, Genesis 15:6). When Abraham was 99 years old, God commanded Abraham to circumcise each male in Genesis 17:10-11. Therefore, Abraham was counted as righteous before he was circumcised (10). Circumcision was a sign that Abraham already had faith and that God had already accepted him and declared him to be righteous—even before he was circumcised (11b).
Relevant Scripture to Read: Genesis 17:9-14 NLT
III. Abraham Is the Spiritual Father of All Who Believe (11b, 12)
Accordingly, Paul concludes in verse 11b:
11b So Abraham is the spiritual father of those who have faith but have not been circumcised. They are counted as righteous because of their faith.
Here, Abraham is not just the father of the Jews physically, but the spiritual father of those who have faith, so that uncircumcised Gentiles can become his spiritual descendants and inherit the blessings God promised him and his descendants. What are the blessings God promised them?
The blessings include:
- Countless descendants (Genesis 17:2), extreme fruitfulness (Genesis 17:6)
- God Almighty will always be their God (Genesis 17:1, 7)
- The eternal possession of the entire land of Canaan (Genesis 17:8) or the whole earth (Romans 4:13)
Relevant Scripture to Read: God made a covenant with Abraham (Genesis 17:1-8 NLT) as well as Isaac (Genesis 26:3-4, 24) and Jacob (Genesis 28:13-15, Genesis 35:11-12).
See verse 12.
12 And Abraham is also the spiritual father of those who have been circumcised, but only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had before he was circumcised.
Paul adds that even the circumcised such as the Jews, can become spiritual descendants of Abraham only if they have the same kind of faith Abraham had (Genesis 15:6) before he was circumcised.
Righteousness: God’s Gift, Not Our Wage
Romans 4:4–8 (NLT)
4 When people work, their wages are not a gift, but something they have earned. 5 But people are counted as righteous, not because of their work, but because of their faith in God who forgives sinners. 6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Message
I. Righteousness Is a Gift, Not a Wage (4–6)
We studied ‘righteousness through faith’ last week. Verse 4 contrasts ‘wages’ and ‘a gift’. When we work, they earn ‘wages’ while a gift is something given for free without working for it. Righteousness is not a wage earned by work, but a gift received through faith in God who forgives sinners (5). Paul explains this using the example of David. See verse 6.
6 David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it:
II. The Joy of Forgiven Sin (7–8)
See verses 7-8.
7 “Oh, what joy for those
whose disobedience is forgiven,
whose sins are put out of sight.
8 Yes, what joy for those
whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
Verses 7-8 are quoted from Psalm 32:1-2 NLT.
David once sinned. Sins bring death (Romans 6:23, Ezekiel 18:4). But because he confessed and repented, he was forgiven as written in 2 Samuel 12:13 NLT.
13 Then David confessed to Nathan, “I have sinned against the Lord.”
Nathan replied, “Yes, but the Lord has forgiven you, and you won’t die for this sin.”
David describes the joy of a person whose sins are forgiven. Though sin brings death, God forgives those who confess and trust Him. Their sins are no longer counted against them, and they are declared righteous by God’s grace, not by their works.
Although God forgives sin, He may still discipline His people (see 2 Samuel 12:14 NLT).
Righteousness Through Faith
Romans 4:1–3 (NLT)
1 Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation. What did he discover about being made right with God? 2 If his good deeds had made him acceptable to God, he would have had something to boast about. But that was not God’s way. 3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
Message
See verse 1a.
1a Abraham was, humanly speaking, the founder of our Jewish nation.
Abraham’s original name was Abram. God commanded him to leave his native country, his relatives, and his father’s family, and go to the land He would show him (Genesis 12:1). God promised to make him into a great nation (Genesis 12:2a), which is now called Israel. Therefore, Abraham is the forefather and founder of the nation of Israel.
See verse 1b.
1b What did he discover about being made right with God?
Was Abraham made right with God by his “good deeds”? (2a).
If that had been true, he would have had something to boast about (2b). But that was not God’s way (2c).
The answer is found in verse 3, which quotes Genesis 15:6.
3 For the Scriptures tell us, “Abraham believed God, and God counted him as righteous because of his faith.”
This statement was written in Genesis 15:6 when Abram was 85 years old. It had been about ten years since God first called him to leave his country, his relatives and his father’s household.
Yet, Abram still had no child. He was even considering his servant as his heir (Genesis 15:2, 3). But God promised that he would have a son of his own and descendants as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:4, 5).
See Genesis 15:6 NTL.
6 And Abram believed the Lord, and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith.
Despite his advanced age and the long waiting period of ten years — and still counting — Abraham believed God and trusted the future God had promised him: his own son and countless descendants.
At that very moment, God counted him as righteous — not because of his works, but because of his faith.
Justified by Faith Alone: The End of Boasting and the Law’s True Fulfillment
Romans 3:27–31 (NLT)
27 Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God? No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith. 28 So we are made right with God through faith and not by obeying the law.
29 After all, is God the God of the Jews only? Isn’t he also the God of the Gentiles? Of course he is. 30 There is only one God, and he makes people right with himself only by faith, whether they are Jews or Gentiles. 31 Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law? Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Message
I. The End of Boasting: Justified by Faith, Not by Works (27–28)
See verse 27a.
27a Can we boast, then, that we have done anything to be accepted by God?
To answer this question, we need to read Romans 3:23-26. Since all have sinned and cannot save themselves, and since we are justified freely by God’s grace through faith in Christ’s sacrifice — not by works of obeying the law — there is no room for human boasting. Verse 27b answers this question:
27b No, because our acquittal is not based on obeying the law. It is based on faith.
Verse 28 presents the conclusion of the question and answer in verse 27. We are justified by faith, not by works of the law.
Faith excludes pride because salvation is entirely God’s work.
II. One God, One Way: All Are Justified by Faith (29–30)
Both the Jews and the Gentiles are made right with God only by faith (29, 30). The gospel unites all people under one gracious principle: faith alone.
III. Faith Establishes the Law: The Law’s True Fulfillment (31)
Then, we have a question. See verse 31a.
31a Well then, if we emphasize faith, does this mean that we can forget about the law?
The answer is written in verse 31b.
31b Of course not! In fact, only when we have faith do we truly fulfill the law.
Faith does not abolish the law. Faith establishes its true purpose.
Jesus gave us relevant lessons as follows:
Matthew 5:17–19 (NLT)
17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. 18 I tell you the truth, until heaven and earth disappear, not even the smallest detail of God’s law will disappear until its purpose is achieved. 19 So if you ignore the least commandment and teach others to do the same, you will be called the least in the Kingdom of Heaven. But anyone who obeys God’s laws and teaches them will be called great in the Kingdom of Heaven.
Jesus did not come to abolish the Law, but to accomplish its purpose.
Matthew 13:52 (NLT)
52 Then he added, “Every teacher of religious law who becomes a disciple in the Kingdom of Heaven is like a homeowner who brings from his storeroom new gems of truth as well as old.”
Here, old gems mean the truths revealed in the Old Testament. New gems mean the truths revealed in Jesus and His Kingdom. The Old Testament remains a treasure. Jesus and His Kingdom bring its fulfillment and fuller revelation. A mature disciple integrates both.
To understand this — that believers receive the Holy Spirit and therefore fulfill the Law not merely by literal observance but by walking according to the Spirit — we must understand the work of the Holy Spirit.
Read John 16:13–15 (NLT).
The relevant message can be found here:
https://www.comnc.org/the-role-of-the-holy-spirit-and-persecution-foretold/
A related song based on John 16:13–15, The Spirit of Truth, is available on streaming platforms:
https://push.fm/fl/m6nhptlv
The Cross: Where God’s Justice and Mercy Meet
Romans 3:25c–26 (NLT)
25c This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Message
God is both just and merciful.
- Because of His justice, sin must be punished.
- Because of His mercy, sinners are forgiven or made right with God
There is a question to answer:
“If God is just, why did He not punish those who sinned in times past?”
Today let us study Romans 3:25c-26 (NLT) and find the answer.
I. The Sacrifice That Shows God Is Fair (v. 25c)
See verse 25c.
25c This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past,
Here, “This sacrifice” is Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross, where He bled and died for our sin (Romans 3:25a-b).
Paul declares that this sacrifice shows God was fair when He didn’t punish those who sinned in times past.
II. God’s Forward-Looking Justice (v. 26a)
See verse 26a.
26a for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness,
God did not ignore sin in the past. He postponed its punishment until Christ. At the cross, sin was fully judged, and God’s righteousness was publicly demonstrated.
III. God’s Justice and Mercy Meet at the Cross (v. 26b)
See verse 26b.
26b for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.
Because Jesus bore the penalty of sin, God can remain just while declaring righteous those who believe in Him.
The cross is where God’s justice is satisfied and His grace is given.
God’s Justice Satisfied, His Grace Given Through Christ: The Greatest Love in Action That Restored Us
Romans 3:24b–25b (NLT)
24b He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood.
Message
I. Made Right Through Christ: Grace Given, Justice Satisfied
Last week we saw that God is gracious—He forgives sin—but He does not excuse the guilty.
Romans 3:24b–25b now shows how God’s grace can make sinners right while His justice remains fully satisfied through Jesus Christ.
God freed us from the penalty for our sins through Christ Jesus (24b). God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin (25a). People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood (25b).
II. The Greatest Love in Action: Christ’s Sacrifice and Our Restoration
Jesus laid down His life for His friends, calling us “His friends,” who are invited to follow the greatest love in action that He demonstrated (John 15:13-15). This love is not sentimental or abstract—it is the very way God’s grace was given to us. As Romans 3:24b–25b explains, God made sinners right with Himself by presenting Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. By laying down His life, Jesus bore the penalty for our sins, satisfying God’s justice while extending God’s grace. Through faith in His shed blood, we are no longer treated as guilty sinners but welcomed into a restored relationship with God (John 16:23-27)—as friends who now live out that same love.
Grace That Makes Us Right — Without Excusing Guilt
Romans 3:24a (NLT)
24a Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.
Message
We studied the universal reality of sin and falling short of God’s glory in Romans 3:23. What, then, makes us right with God in His sight? Verse 24a gives the answer:
24a Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight.
It is ‘grace’ of God. God’s grace and justice is expressed in Exodus 34:6-7 NLT:
6a The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,
“Yahweh! The Lord!
6b The God of compassion and mercy!
I am slow to anger
and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.
7a I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations.
7b I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin.
7c But I do not excuse the guilty.
7d I lay the sins of the parents upon their children and grandchildren;
the entire family is affected—
even children in the third and fourth generations.”
God forgives sin (Exodus 34:7b). However, if a person refuses to repent and remains in a state of guilt, God does not excuse the guilty (Exodus 34:7c). So, it is essential to trust that God is compassionate, merciful, slow to anger, and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness (Exodus 34:6b). In light of who He is, we are called to confess and repent our sins so that we may receive His forgiveness.
