
Having shared in the first three chapters the bad news of mankind's universal and common condition as fallen inners unable to save themselves Paul has now begun to explain the Good News of how God in his grace saves us through the completed work of Christ and our faith in it.
Now in chapter 4 to support his argument Paul turns to the Old Testament character of Abraham - the founding father of the Israelite people. He unpacks Abraham's story because it reveals this same pattern of salvation that comes through faith not works. Paul's point is that the Gospel he was proclaiming is not something new but the same message of salvation that was found in the Old Testament.
- Abraham was also saved by faith not works.
- Abraham was also saved by faith not religion.
- Abraham who was saved by faith walked in faith.