Against All Hope: Romans 4:13-25

It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.

The promise came before the law. Four hundred years before Sinai, before the tablets were carved, before Moses descended the mountain with commandments in his arms—the promise was already given. Already believed. Already credited.

For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless.

If inheritance comes by law-keeping, then faith is emptied of meaning. Why believe if you can achieve? Why trust if you can earn? The promise would be worthless—a contract of works rather than a covenant of grace.