Romans 4 continues Paul’s argument by grounding justification by faith in the Old Testament. Anticipating resistance, especially from Jewish believers, Paul turns to Abraham, the father of their faith, to show that righteousness has always been credited through faith, not earned through works. By doing this, Paul demonstrates that the gospel is not a new teaching, but the fulfillment of what God has always established. Abraham becomes both the proof and the pattern: righteousness is received by believing God, and this faith produces a life of obedience.
“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
Paul begins by asking what Abraham discovered about being made right with God. If Abraham had been justified by works, he would have had reason to boast. But Scripture makes it clear; his righteousness was not earned, but credited through faith.
This distinction is critical. Works earn wages, but righteousness is not a wage; it is a gift. If justification were based on effort, it would no longer be grace. Paul dismantles the idea that human performance can secure righteousness and instead establishes that it is something God freely gives to those who believe.
This reframes the entire understanding of salvation. It is not about achieving a standard, but about trusting in the One who meets it on our behalf.
“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven…”
Paul strengthens his argument by bringing in David, showing that this truth is consistent throughout Scripture. David speaks of the blessedness of the person whose sins are forgiven; not because they earned it, but because God chose not to count their sin against them.
This reveals that righteousness is not only about being declared right, but also about being forgiven. Sin is not overlooked; it is removed. And this removal is not achieved by effort, but granted by mercy.
This reinforces that justification is rooted in grace. Both Abraham and David testify to the same truth: righteousness is not something we produce, but something God provides.
“…faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.”
Paul now addresses the timing of Abraham’s justification. He points out that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. This is crucial because it shows that his righteousness was not dependent on any outward act or religious practice.
Circumcision was later given as a sign, not a cause. It confirmed what had already taken place internally. This establishes a key principle: outward acts do not produce righteousness; they reflect it.
This challenges any reliance on religious activity as a means of being made right with God. True righteousness begins within and is expressed outwardly, not the other way around.
“…the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace…”
Paul explains that the promise given to Abraham was not based on the law, but on faith. This ensures that the promise rests on grace and is therefore accessible to all who believe.
If the promise depended on the law, it would be limited and unattainable, because the law exposes sin rather than removes it. But because it depends on faith, it is extended beyond a specific group to all people.
This reveals the inclusive nature of the gospel. Faith opens the door for everyone, regardless of background, to receive what God has promised. Abraham becomes not just the father of one nation, but the father of all who believe.
“…he did not waver in unbelief regarding the promise of God…”
Paul now highlights the quality of Abraham’s faith. He believed God even when circumstances made the promise seem impossible. His body was as good as dead, and Sarah was barren, yet he trusted in God’s ability to fulfill what He had spoken.
This shows that true faith is not based on visible evidence, but on confidence in God’s character. Abraham did not ignore reality, he acknowledged it, but he did not allow it to override what God had said.
His faith was steady, not because the situation made sense, but because God was trustworthy. This kind of faith brings glory to God because it affirms His power and faithfulness.
This challenges us to examine our own faith. Do we believe only when things are visible and certain, or do we trust God even when circumstances contradict His promises?
“…it was counted to him… for us also.”
Paul concludes by bringing the focus to the present. Abraham’s story is not just historical; it is instructional. The same principle applies to us. Righteousness is credited to those who believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead.
This connects Abraham’s faith to the gospel. Just as Abraham believed God’s promise, we believe in the finished work of Christ. Jesus was delivered over to death for our sins and raised for our justification.
This reveals that faith is not abstract; it is directed toward a specific reality: the person and work of Christ. Justification is secured through Him, and received through belief.
Romans 4 establishes that justification has always been by faith, not by works. Through the example of Abraham, Paul shows that righteousness is credited to those who believe, and that this principle is consistent throughout Scripture.
💡Key Takeaway:
Righteousness is not achieved through effort; it is received through faith in God’s promise fulfilled in Christ.
🙏🏽 Prayer:
Lord,
Teach us to trust You fully, even when circumstances do not make sense. Help us to rest in the truth that righteousness is not something we earn, but something You give through grace. Strengthen our faith to believe Your promises and to live in the confidence of what You have accomplished through Christ. Amen.