Romans 4:23f
‘It was not written for his (Abraham’s) sake alone…. But for us also…, if we believe in Him Who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead!’ Romans 4:23-24.
Calvin comments: “Paul expressly affirms that in the person of Abraham, there had been exhibited an example of a common righteousness which applies equally to all. We are reminded in this passage, of the duty of seeking profit from Scriptural examples….
“Scripture alone…prescribes general rules by which we may test all other history, so as to make it serve our advantage…. It clearly distinguishes what actions we ought to follow, and what to avoid….. Paul therefore maintains that the record of Abraham’s life was not written for his own sake alone. It…is a description of the way to obtain righteousness, which is one and unchanging among all believers. It is this which is exhibited in (Abraham) ‘the father of all the faithful’ — who ought to command universal regard.
“Therefore, if we would make a right and proper use of the sacred histories, we must remember that we ought to use them in such a way as to draw from them the fruit of sound doctrine. They instruct us how to form our life; how to strengthen our faith; and how we are to arouse the fear of the Lord…. The help of God which was always available to them, will contribute to the confirmation of our faith — and His protection and the fatherly care which He exercised over them, will afford us consolation in time of adversity….
“It was not ‘for his sake alone’…. (This) seems to suggest that it was partly written for his sake…. We…take the words ‘not for his sake alone’…to mean that it was not on Abraham’s account only…, but was related to our instruction — since we must be justified in the same way….
“(But for us also…) who believe in Him That raised up Jesus our Lord (from the dead)!’…. The resurrection of Christ is the most important part of this. For it is the ground of our hope in the life to come. Had he (Paul) simply said that we believe in God, it would not have been so easy for us to gather how this could serve to obtain righteousness. But when Christ comes forth and offers us a sure pledge of life in His Own resurrection — we see clearly from what Source the imputation of our righteousness flows….
“Our sins were expiated by the death of Christ…. Our righteousness was obtained by His resurrection. The sum is — that when we possess the benefit of Christ’s death and resurrection, righteousness is fulfilled in all its parts.
“Christ…has made known to us how much He had achieved by His death, by rising from the dead…. Our salvation was begun by the sacrifice by which our sins were expiated, and finally completed by His resurrection…. ‘(He was) raised for our justification!’…. The power of justification…which overcame death, is ascribed to His resurrection…. He fully restored life to us, by His resurrection!” So let us believe in God, Who raised up Jesus from the dead! Do you?
