Romans 4:1

An Understandable Version (2005 edition)

What should we say then [about what] our forefather Abraham discovered?

Cross References

Matthew 3:9

and quit thinking to yourselves, we claim Abraham as our forefather, because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham’s children out of these stones.

Luke 3:8

Demonstrate by your lives that you have [really] repented, and quit saying to yourselves, ‘We claim Abraham as our forefather,’ because I tell you, God is able to make Abraham’s children out of these stones.

John 8:33

They replied to Him, “We are descendants of Abraham and have never been slaves to anyone. How can you say, ‘You will be set free’?”

John 8:53

Are you greater [i.e., more important] than our forefather Abraham and the prophets, who [all] died? Who do you think you are?”

John 8:56

Your forefather Abraham was glad that he could look forward to my day [i.e., by faith he anticipated the coming of the Messiah. See Heb. 11:13ff]. And he saw it [by faith] and was glad.”

Acts 13:26

“You brothers, descendants of Abraham’s family and those of you who respect God very much, this message of salvation was intended for us.

Romans 1:3

It was about His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord, who was born as a physical descendant of King David.

Romans 3:5

Now if our wrongdoing serves to emphasize more clearly that God does what is right, what should we say about that? Is God being unjust for sending [His] wrath [on the world]? (I am raising a human objection).

Romans 4:16

For this reason, the promise [i.e., of being made right with God] comes through faith [in God], according to His unearned favor, so that it may be [given] with certainty to all of Abraham’s descendants. The promise is given not only to those [who live] under the law [i.e., the Jews], but also to [all] those [who live] by faith, like Abraham. Abraham is the [spiritual] father of all of us [believers],

Romans 6:1

What shall we say, then? Should we continue sinning so that more of God’s unearned favor will [have to] be shown?

Romans 7:7

What shall we say then? Is the Law of Moses sinful? Certainly not! For I would not have known what sin was if it had not been for the law. For [example]; I would not have known [what it meant] to covet [i.e., have a strong desire for what belongs to someone else] except that the law said [Ex. 20:17], “You must not covet.”

Romans 8:31

What then should we conclude from this? [Just this]: If God is on our side, who can [successfully] oppose us?

2 Corinthians 11:22

Are they [i.e., Paul’s opponents there in Corinth] Hebrews? So am I. Are they Israelites? So am I. Are they descendants of Abraham? So am I.

Hebrews 12:9

Furthermore, we had earthly fathers to discipline us and we respected them [for it]; should we not much rather submit to the Father of our spirits [i.e., God], so we can live [spiritually]?