Romans chapter 4 invites us to reflect on the nature of faith and how it connects us to God’s righteousness. Paul takes us back to Abraham, the forefather of our faith, to illustrate that righteousness has always been given through faith, not through works or adherence to the law. This is a powerful message for us because it reminds us that our relationship with God is not based on our ability to follow a set of rules but on our trust in His promises.
Paul begins by asking what Abraham, the father of our faith, discovered regarding righteousness. If Abraham had been justified by works, he would have had something to boast about. But Scripture tells us that Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness. This means that his righteousness was not something he earned but something that was credited to him by God’s grace. This is an important lesson for us because it teaches us that faith, not performance, is what brings us into right standing with God.
Paul continues by making a contrast between wages and grace. When we work for something, our wages are what we are owed, not a gift. But righteousness is not a wage that we earn—it is a gift that God freely gives to those who believe. This is why we cannot boast in our own efforts. Our salvation is not a paycheck for good behavior but a generous act of mercy from God. This truth humbles us and allows us to rest in the knowledge that we don’t have to strive endlessly to earn God’s approval. It is freely given through faith.
To reinforce this, Paul refers to David, another key figure in the history of faith. David wrote about the blessedness of the person whom God credits with righteousness apart from works. He spoke of the joy of knowing that sins are forgiven and covered, and that the Lord does not count sin against us. This is a truth that should fill our hearts with gratitude. We have all fallen short, but through faith, our sins are not counted against us. Instead, we receive righteousness as a gift.
Paul then addresses an important question: is this righteousness only for those who are circumcised, or is it for all who believe? He reminds us that Abraham was counted as righteous before he was circumcised. His circumcision was a sign of the righteousness he already had through faith. This means that Abraham is the father not only of the circumcised but also of those who believe without being circumcised. This is a profound truth for us today because it shows that righteousness is not tied to religious rituals or traditions but is available to anyone who places their trust in God.
Another key point Paul makes is that the promise given to Abraham and his descendants was not based on the law but on faith. If the promise depended on the law, then faith would be meaningless, and the promise would be useless. The law, by itself, brings wrath because it exposes sin, but faith brings grace and life. This helps us understand that the law was never meant to be a means of salvation but rather a guide that points us toward our need for God’s grace.
Paul explains that the promise to Abraham was rooted in faith so that it could be guaranteed to all his descendants, not just those who follow the law but also those who share his faith. He quotes God’s words to Abraham: "I have made you a father of many nations." This promise was not just about physical descendants but about a spiritual family united by faith. We are part of that family when we trust in God as Abraham did.
Abraham’s faith was remarkable because he believed in God’s promise even when circumstances made it seem impossible. He and Sarah were well beyond the age of having children, yet he did not waver in his belief that God would fulfill His word. Instead, he grew stronger in faith, giving glory to God. This is a lesson for us when we face challenges or delays in seeing God’s promises fulfilled in our lives. We are reminded to trust in God’s faithfulness rather than our circumstances.
Paul makes it clear that Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness not just for his sake, but for ours as well. The same principle applies to us. If we believe in God, who raised Jesus from the dead, we too are counted as righteous. Jesus was delivered up for our sins and raised for our justification. This means that His sacrifice paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection confirms that we are made right with God.
As we reflect on this chapter, we see that faith has always been the foundation of righteousness. Abraham was not justified by works or by the law but by his trust in God’s promises. The same is true for us. We are not made right with God by our efforts, our religious rituals, or our good deeds. We are justified by faith in Jesus Christ.
This truth changes how we see our relationship with God. Instead of feeling burdened by the pressure to earn righteousness, we can rest in the knowledge that it is a gift given to us. This does not mean that good works are unimportant, but rather that they are the result of faith, not the cause of righteousness. When we trust in God, our lives are transformed, and our actions reflect the faith that has already made us right with Him.
Ultimately, Romans chapter 4 calls us to live by faith. Just as Abraham trusted God’s promises even when they seemed impossible, we are invited to trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ. We do not have to earn our place in God’s family—it is already secured through faith. This is the good news that allows us to walk in freedom, knowing that we are justified, forgiven, and loved by God.