The Example of Abraham

4 What then are we to say was gained by^[a] Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh?

¹⁶ For this reason the promise depends on faith, in order that it may rest on grace, so that it may be guaranteed to all his descendants, not only to the adherents of the law but also to those who share the faith of Abraham (who is the father of all of us,^(A)

²² Are they Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.^(A)

²⁶ “Brothers and sisters,^[a] you descendants of Abraham’s family and others who fear God, to us^[b] the message of this salvation has been sent.

⁵⁶ Your ancestor Abraham rejoiced that he would see my day; he saw it and was glad.”^(A)

The Law and Sin

⁷ What then are we to say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet, if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”^(A)

⁹ and do not presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor,’ for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham.^(A)

God’s Love in Christ Jesus

³¹ What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us?^(A)

⁵³ Are you greater than our father Abraham, who died? The prophets also died. Who do you claim to be?”^(A)