Romans 4:16

Therefore it is of faith. Literally, “on account of this of faith.” The properly supplied “it” may refer to the promise (v. 13), or to the inheritance (v. 14), or generally to the way of obtaining salvation. Since the law brings only condemnation, justification and salvation must come as they did to Abraham, by faith (see Gal. 3:11, 12).

By grace. See on ch. 3:24. In this chapter Paul is contrasting law, works, and merit on one side with promise, faith, and grace on the other. Legalism attempts to obtain salvation by means of the first three. But the system is doomed to failure for the reasons already explained. Salvation could come only through grace, promise, and faith, for God must meet man’s utter helplessness. Moreover, it is the grace and love of God that wins a sinner back to reconciliation and a life of faith.

To the end. Or, “for the purpose,” “in order that.”

Sure. Gr. bebaios, “firm,” “established,” the opposite of “none effect” (v. 14). If the promise depended on man’s perfect conformity to the law, it would not be sure, for only Christ has yielded such obedience. But the promise is firm to all of Abraham’s seed, both Jews and Gentiles, for its only condition is the response of faith to God’s grace.

All the seed. That is, all those who believe (Gal. 3:29). Paul divides them into two classes.

Of the law. That is, the believers among the Jews, who possessed the law. The article is present in the Greek (see on ch. 2:12).

Of the faith. That is, the believing Gentiles.

Father of us all. The believing Jews and the believing Gentiles make up the family of which Abraham is the spiritual father (see on v. 11).