“…and calleth [or speaks] those things which be not as though they were.”
-Rom. 4:17b, KJV
Common (Mis)usage:
People tend to use this Scripture in an incomplete sense, usually referenced as “speak those things which be not as though they were.” It’s typically used by professing believers in an authoritative manner with the underlying assumption that they have supernatural power in their speech. That is, they can speak into existence the very things that don’t currently exist. It’s verbal power to create one’s own reality. For example, they may have a loved one living in rebellion and sin, and these individuals may speak a “Christian life” into existence for that wayward loved one. Or, perhaps these individuals have limited finances, and they will “speak” wealth into existence.
Basic Context & Meaning:
As usual, it’s rare that a context is provided or even loosely referenced. In fact, in this case, most of the Scripture isn’t referenced, and many people may even be unaware of this Scripture’s location. Staying with the KJV for consistency, let’s look the surrounding text, vv.16-18 (emphasis mine):
Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were. Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.
-Rom. 4:16-18, KJV
Did you notice the context, the immediate context? The description applies to God, not Abraham and certainly not us. The One who speaks things into existence is the same One who quickens/gives life to the dead. So, the phrase that many utter to support speaking things into existence is actually a parenthetical phrase, one that’s referencing God Almighty!
Suggested Usage/Application:
The context deals with Paul’s attempt (a successful one I might add) to demonstrate that the OT patriarch Abraham’s promises rested upon his faith in God, not in his ability to keep the law. In this analogous reference, Paul shows that Abraham’s promise extends to Gentiles (non-Jewish persons) by faith. The specific reference to “calling things into existence” is really a pause in the flow of thought in order to highlight the marvelous acts of God. It’s as though Paul can’t help but mention some of God’s glorious attributes as he points his audience to God, the very object of Abraham’s faith! It’s a welcome, praise worthy interruption to Paul’s passage.
How great is our God! He is powerful. He gives life to dead things. He is the Creator who spoke everything into existence from nothing (ex nihilo). This same Being made provision to redeem humanity through the person of Jesus Christ, God in flesh, so that just as Abraham believed God and righteousness was imputed, all those who believe in Christ can have righteousness imputed to them by the same application of faith. That’s what we should take away from this glorious passage. It’s not a vague license or encouragement to use God’s power, but it’s a reminder of the greatness of the God we serve and that we should eagerly turn to Him in faith because we know He is omnipotent.