Unpacking Romans 4:17 NKJV

Romans 4:17 in the New King James Version (NKJV) states:

"as it is written, 'I have made you a father of many nations' in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did."  

This verse, nestled within Paul’s discourse in Romans 4, uses Abraham’s faith as a cornerstone to explain the concept of justification by faith. 
To unpack its deep meaning, we’ll explore its context, break down its key components, connect it to other biblical references, and apply its truths to our lives today, concluding with a prayer.

Context and Meaning
Romans 4 focuses on Abraham as the exemplar of faith. Paul argues that Abraham was justified not by works but by believing God’s promise—a truth that applies to all believers. 

Romans 4:17 specifically highlights two aspects: 
Abraham’s faith in God’s promise and God’s extraordinary power to fulfill it.

1. Abraham’s Faith and God’s Promise
The verse begins with a quotation from Genesis 17:5: "I have made you a father of many nations." 
At the time God spoke this to Abraham, he was elderly—around 99 years old—and childless, with his wife Sarah barren and past childbearing age. 
Humanly speaking, the promise seemed impossible. Yet, the phrase "in the presence of Him whom he believed" emphasizes Abraham’s unwavering trust in God despite these circumstances. His faith rested not on what he saw but on the One who promised.

2. God’s Nature and Power
The latter part of the verse describes God’s character: 
"Who gives life to the dead?": This points to God’s ability to bring life where there is none. 

It can refer to physical resurrection (e.g., Jesus raising Lazarus in John 11 or His own resurrection) or spiritual renewal (e.g., believers being raised from spiritual death to life in Ephesians 2:1-5). 

In Abraham’s case, it reflects God giving life to Sarah’s barren womb, resulting in Isaac’s birth.

Calls those things which do not exist as though they did": 
This reveals God’s sovereignty and creative authority. He speaks of future realities as if they are present because His word guarantees their fulfillment. 
For Abraham, God declared him a father of many nations long before the promise materialized, showcasing His ability to create something out of nothing—just as He spoke the world into existence in Genesis 

Together, these phrases paint a picture of a God whose power transcends human limitations and whose promises are certain, inviting faith like Abraham’s.

Biblical References
To deepen our understanding, let’s connect Romans 4:17 to other Scriptures:

Hebrews 11:1
"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

This “Hall of Faith” verse aligns with Romans 4:17 by defining faith as trust in unseen realities—exactly what Abraham exemplified when he believed God’s promise despite no visible evidence.

2 Corinthians 4:18
"While we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal."

Paul encourages believers to focus on eternal truths rather than temporary circumstances, echoing the faith required to trust God’s declaration of what “does not exist” as though it does.

Isaiah 46:10
"Declaring the end from the beginning, And from ancient times things that are not yet done, Saying, ‘My counsel shall stand, And I will do all My pleasure.’"

This Old Testament affirmation of God’s omniscience and sovereignty reinforces His ability to call future events into being, as He did with Abraham’s destiny.

These verses collectively underscore God’s authority over time and reality and the faith He invites us to embrace.

Real-Life Applications
Romans 4:17 is not just theological; it’s practical. Here are ways its truths apply today:

Trust in God’s Promises
When facing challenges—like a health crisis, financial strain, or broken relationships—we can trust that God can bring life and solutions where none seem possible. 
Just as He fulfilled His word to Abraham, He remains faithful to His promises to us (e.g., Philippians 4:19: “My God shall supply all your need”).

Believing in God’s Calling
In personal growth, career, or ministry, God may call us to purposes that seem out of reach. Like Abraham, who didn’t see nations spring from him immediately, we can trust God’s vision for our lives, stepping forward in faith even when the outcome isn’t visible.

Speaking God’s Promises
When praying for ourselves or others, we can boldly declare God’s Word over situations—claiming healing, restoration, or hope—because He has the power to bring those realities to pass. This mirrors how God spoke Abraham’s future into existence.

For example, someone struggling with despair could cling to Jeremiah 29:11 (“For I know the plans I have for you... to give you a future and hope"), trusting God to breathe life into their situation.

Summary
Romans 4:17 unveils the profound interplay between Abraham’s faith and God’s power. It showcases Abraham believing God’s promise against all odds and reveals God as the One who gives life to the dead and calls the nonexistent into being. 
This verse challenges us to trust God’s unseen plans, confident in His ability to fulfill His word. It’s a testament to His creative and life-giving nature and an invitation to live with bold, Abraham-like faith.

Closing Prayer
Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your power to bring life from death and to call into existence what does not yet exist. 
Thank You for the example of Abraham, who trusted Your promise when all seemed impossible. 
Strengthen our faith, Lord, to believe Your Word over our circumstances. 
Help us trust in Your unseen plans, speak Your promises with confidence, and rest in Your sovereignty. 
May we live as people of faith, reflecting Your glory in all we do. 
In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.