How was Abraham Saved?
Paul has been talking about salvation by faith alone in chapter three and now gives an illustration in chapter four about the salvation of Abraham and David. Why is the salvation of Abraham important to talk about? Almost everyone believes things about Abraham in some way. Judaism claims Abraham as the father of the Jewish people. Muslims believe Abraham is the father of their religion and call Abraham the “first Muslim.” Christians claim Abraham as a father of their faith (ever sing “Father Abraham” as a kid?). Samaritans, Rastafarians, and Baha’ all claim Abraham as some type of father of their faith. So, Abraham’s salvation is relevant to a broad audience.
Romans four shows Abraham’s salvation by asking and answering, “What does the Scripture say?” Not what Judaism, Islam, Baha, or Christianity say, but what does God say?