Abraham’s Timeline
Paul spoke of Abraham as being justified by faith (Romans 4:1-25). James spoke of Abraham as being justified by works, not by faith alone (James 2:14-24). These passages are often compared out of context as if only one could be correct. A review of the life of Abraham may be helpful to see how both are correct in their respective contexts.
Approximately 2100 BC:
Age = 75, Abraham leaves Haran (Genesis 12:4).
Age > 75 Abraham parts with Lot (Genesis 13:8-9).
Age > 75 Abraham justified by faith (Genesis 15:6; cf. Romans 4).
Age = 86 Ishmael is born (Genesis 16:16).
Age = 99 Sign of circumcision instituted (Genesis 17:24).
Age = 100 Isaac is born (Genesis 21:5).
Age > 100 Sacrifice of Isaac (Genesis 22:1-19; cf. James 2:20-24).
Age = 137 Sarah dies (Genesis 23:1-2).
Age = 175 Abraham dies (Genesis 25:7-8).
We know that Isaac was a young man when Abraham received instructions to sacrifice him. Referring to the timeline, we can estimate that more than thirty years would have passed from the time that Abraham was justified by faith until he demonstrated his faith through his actions. In other words, Paul was referring to an event that happened thirty-plus years before the event that James was referencing. That observation helps clarify much confusion on the subject.
It may be concluded that justification from God comes by faith. In the due course of time, God’s judgment will prove to be true in the eyes of men. The only means men have to judge is by the works they observe. Justification in the eyes of men comes by works.Of course, justification by God is salvation. Justification from men merely validates God’s judgment. All God’s judgments are true (Revelation 19:1-10).
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Table of Contents: The Last Adam
Text for this post has been borrowed from my Kindle eBook The Last Adam (Book 1 of the Grace and Knowledge Series), by Brother Woody Brohm. Copyright 2012.
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