Without Terms

In Romans chapter 4, the Apostle Paul unpacks a profound theological truth centered on Abraham and the nature of faith. While we often break Scripture into chapters and verses, Paul originally wrote this as a continuous letter, and in this section, his thoughts harmonize powerfully with James’ message: true faith transforms lives.

James stresses that genuine faith naturally results in a changed life—a shift in values, actions, and identity. It is not that deeds earn salvation, but rather, that authentic faith inevitably produces fruit. Paul would agree. Though salvation is by grace alone, it is never without effect. As theologian John Stott once wrote, “Salvation is never by works—but it is always unto works.”

Paul addresses both Jewish believers steeped in the Law and Gentiles who were new to the concept of grace. To those shaped by a legalistic mindset, Paul reminds them that the Law reveals our need for grace, not a ladder to earn God’s approval. The Law is diagnostic—it exposes our spiritual illness—but it cannot heal. Only grace through Jesus Christ can do that.

Sadly, even after accepting grace, many still live as legalists. We mold God’s law to suit our preferences, twisting its purpose. Instead of allowing it to point us to our need for Christ, we use it to validate our behavior or judge others. Legalism becomes a terrible substitute for God—it feels close, but ultimately it cannot save. The same goes for anything we elevate above God, whether it be religion, tradition, or morality itself.

Paul wants us to embrace the gift of grace fully and unconditionally. We don’t earn it—it’s given freely, like a birthday gift or a present under the tree. But too often, we accept grace with conditions: “I’ll serve God if…” or “I’ll follow Him unless…” Abraham’s journey of faith teaches us the power of unconditional surrender. It took time, but Abraham eventually trusted God fully—even to the point of being willing to sacrifice his son. His faith went all the way, not halfway. And that’s when he truly experienced the blessing.

There’s a lesson here for us. Like the Israelites who left Egypt but never made it to the Promised Land, some believers go halfway in their faith journey. They trust God with part of their lives, but not all. They hold onto conditions. The result? Spiritual stagnation, wandering in circles, missing the richness of God’s promises.

God wants full surrender—not because He’s a tyrant, but because He has so much more to give. When we let go of our conditions, we move from wilderness to promise, from dryness to fullness. Faith, like Abraham’s, trusts God even when the outcome seems impossible.

Paul’s message isn’t just theological; it’s deeply practical. He compares our faith to a gift that we must receive completely. He uses the imagery of unconditional surrender, like in wartime negotiations. To follow Christ is to lay down our arms—our pride, our plans, our demands—and trust fully in His love and leadership.

And yet, many people still resist. They cling to their own conditions, like George Wilson, a man who was pardoned from execution by President Andrew Jackson but refused the pardon—and was hanged. Grace must be received to be effective. God offers it, but we must be willing to take it.

So the question becomes: What are you wearing? Paul uses a metaphor of three men jumping off a building—one wears a Superman cape, another a spacesuit, the third a parachute. The one with the parachute acknowledges reality and prepares accordingly. Likewise, faith is not about delusions of control or escape. It’s about trusting God with the fall and the flight.

Let go of your conditions. Receive the full measure of grace God is offering. Milk the cow until it stops giving milk—receive every bit of nourishment, strength, and direction God is offering. Let His grace shape your values, your behavior, your future. Like Abraham, walk all the way—not halfway—to the place of blessing.

Faith without conditions is the only kind that leads to transformation. Trust God fully.