1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?
2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”
4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.
5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,
6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
and whose sins are covered.
8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”
9 Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness.
10 How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised.
11 He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well,
12 and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.
13 For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.
14 For if it is the adherents of the law who are to be the heirs, faith is null and the promise is void.
15 For the law brings wrath, but where there is no law there is no transgression.
16 That is why it depends on faith, in order that the promise may rest on grace and be guaranteed to all his offspring—not only to the adherent of the law but also to the one who shares the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all,
17 as it is written, “I have made you the father of many nations”—in the presence of the God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence the things that do not exist.
18 In hope he believed against hope, that he should become the father of many nations, as he had been told, “So shall your offspring be.”
19 He did not weaken in faith when he considered his own body, which was as good as dead (since he was about a hundred years old), or when he considered the barrenness of Sarah’s womb.
20 No unbelief made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God,
21 fully convinced that God was able to do what he had promised.
22 That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.”
23 But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone,
24 but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,
25 who was delivered up for our trespasses and raised for our justification.
The True Meaning of Romans 4
The Epistle to the Romans was written by the apostle Paul, a former persecutor of the early Christian church who had a dramatic conversion experience and became one of the most influential figures in the spread of Christianity. Paul delves into the concept of justification by faith in this chapter, using the example of Abraham to illustrate his teachings.
The chapter begins by highlighting the contrast between works-based righteousness and faith-based righteousness, setting the stage for a deeper exploration of the role of faith in salvation. Paul draws upon the story of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelite nation, to demonstrate that it was his faith, not his works, that made him righteous in God’s eyes. This concept is further reinforced by the apostle’s reference to the account of Abraham’s justification in the book of Genesis. Paul emphasizes the universality of this principle as the chapter progresses, showing that it applies not only to the Jews but to all people who believe in God’s promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. This message of inclusion and grace is a central theme throughout Paul’s writings, as he seeks to break down the barriers that had traditionally separated the Jewish and Gentile communities within the early church.
Romans 4:1-3
The apostle Paul delves into the significance of faith in the context of Abraham, the great patriarch of the Israelites in Romans 4:1-3. The passage begins with Paul posing a rhetorical question: “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?” This sets the stage for a reflection on Abraham’s understanding of faith and righteousness before God. Paul emphasizes that if Abraham was justified by his works, then he would have a reason to boast, but not before God. This points to the biblical principle that salvation is not achieved through human effort or adherence to the law but through faith in God’s promises and grace.
Paul then quotes from Genesis 15:6, stating, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” This pivotal moment in Abraham’s life occurred when God made a covenant with him, promising to bless him with descendants as numerous as the stars. Despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham believed God’s promise, demonstrating unwavering faith in God’s ability to fulfill what He had said. This act of faith was so profound that God accounted it to Abraham as righteousness, underscoring the foundational truth that righteousness before God comes through faith.
Abraham’s story is crucial in the biblical narrative, as he is often regarded as the epitome of faith. His willingness to leave his homeland in obedience to God’s call (Genesis 12), his intercession for Sodom and Gomorrah (Genesis 18), and his willingness to offer Isaac as a sacrifice (Genesis 22) all showcase his trust in God’s faithfulness and sovereignty. These events in Abraham’s life serve as a testimony to the power of unwavering faith and reliance on God’s promises, which are central themes throughout the Bible. Paul underscores the universality of justification by faith by connecting Abraham’s faith to the message of Romans 4. Just as Abraham believed God and was counted as righteous, so too can all who have faith in God receive the gift of righteousness. This echoes the teaching of salvation by grace through faith, which is reiterated in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” Therefore, the lesson drawn from Romans 4:1-3 is that true righteousness is not attained through human actions but through faith in the promises of God, a truth exemplified in the life of Abraham and relevant for all believers throughout history.
Romans 4:4-8
Several key sections in Romans 4:4-8 deserve our attention. Let’s break it down step by step.
First, let’s look at verse 4: “Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.” Here, the notion of works versus grace is being highlighted. Paul is emphasizing that salvation is not earned through works or deeds but is a gift from God that cannot be obtained by human effort alone. This idea of grace through faith is central to the Christian faith. The emphasis on faith over works was a recurring theme in Paul’s teachings and letters, echoing the concept of justification by faith that is central to the message of the Gospel.
Moving on to verse 5: “However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.” Here, Paul draws upon the example of Abraham to illustrate the power of faith in God’s redemptive plan. Abraham, often referred to as the father of faith, believed in God’s promises despite the circumstances, and his faith was credited to him as righteousness (Genesis 15:6). This act of faith, apart from works, serves as a model for believers in understanding that righteousness is attained through trusting in God’s grace rather than through our own efforts. Paul references King David’s words in Psalm 32:1-2 in verses 6-8 to further illustrate the idea of imputed righteousness through faith. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them.’” Paul underscores the blessedness of being justified by faith, where sins are forgiven and righteousness is imputed apart from the works of the law. This echoes the message of Psalm 32, where David rejoices in the forgiveness of his sins and the covering of his transgressions through God’s mercy and grace. Romans 4:4-8 reinforces the foundational Christian belief that salvation comes not through our own efforts or achievements but through faith in God’s grace and the redemptive work of Christ. It highlights the importance of trusting in God’s promises, following the examples of Abraham and David, and understanding that righteousness is imputed by faith. The passage serves as a reminder of the timeless truth that we are saved by grace through faith, not by works, for it is a gift of God (Ephesians 2:8-9).
Romans 4:9-12
The passage in Romans 4:9-12 can be broken down into sections for a more detailed commentary. “Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? We say that faith was credited to Abraham as righteousness.”
This section addresses the question of whether the blessings of righteousness are exclusively for the circumcised, who were the Jews, or for the uncircumcised as well. The answer provided here, drawing from the example of Abraham, is that righteousness comes through faith. This is a crucial point as it emphasizes that spiritual inheritance is not dependent on physical circumcision or any outward ritual, but rather on faith in God. This theme of faith being central to righteousness is a recurring one in the Bible, such as in Hebrews 11:6, which states, “And without faith, it is impossible to please God because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
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“Under what circumstances was it credited? Was it after he was circumcised, or before? It was not after, but before!”
Here, the focus is on the timing of when Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness. It highlights the fact that Abraham’s faith came before the act of circumcision. This is significant because it shows that Abraham’s righteousness was not a result of his adherence to the law or any works, but purely because of his faith in God. This underscores the principle that justification before God is by faith alone, as also emphasized in Ephesians 2:8-9 which states, “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works so that no one can boast.” -
“And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. So then, he is the father of all who believe but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness might be credited to them.”
This section further solidifies the idea that Abraham’s circumcision was a sign or seal of the righteousness he already possessed by faith. Abraham’s faith preceded the act of circumcision, making him the father of all who believe, whether circumcised or not. This is a powerful illustration of how faith unites believers across all backgrounds, emphasizing that salvation is available to all who have faith in God. This aligns with Galatians 3:7 which says, “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham. Romans 4:9-12, through the example of Abraham, reinforces the timeless message that righteousness before God comes through faith. It emphasizes that external rituals or works are not what justify a person before God, but rather a heart that trusts in Him. This passage serves as a reminder that our standing before God is not based on our own efforts, but on the grace of God received through faith. Abraham’s story serves as a model of faith for believers of all generations, showing that a relationship with God is rooted in faith and trust in His promises.
Romans 4:13-15
The passage in Romans 4:13-15 can be broken down into several important sections that hold deep significance within the overall context of the grace of God and the concept of righteousness through faith. Let’s break down each section to gain a more profound understanding.
Starting with the first section, “For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.” This segment highlights the promise made to Abraham by God, in which he was assured that he would be the heir of the world. This promise was not based on Abraham’s adherence to the law but was granted to him through his faith. This emphasizes the primacy of faith in God’s plan for salvation and inheritance, rather than reliance on adherence to the Mosaic law. Abraham’s story serves as a powerful illustration of faith in action, as he believed in God’s promises despite the odds stacked against him, such as his old age and his wife Sarah’s barrenness.
Moving on to the next section, “For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect.” This portion underscores the contrast between attaining inheritance through the law versus through faith. If inheritance were based on law-keeping alone, faith would lose its significance, rendering God’s promise ineffective. This notion ties in with the overarching theme in Romans of the insufficiency of the law in securing righteousness before God, and the necessity of faith in Christ as the means of salvation.
Finally, the passage concludes with, “Because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.” Here, the text elucidates the role of the law in revealing sin and its consequences. The law serves to highlight humanity’s failures and the resulting wrath of God against sin. Without the law, there would be no awareness of transgressions. This aligns with the teachings in other parts of the Bible, such as in Romans 3:20, where it states, “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin. Romans 4:13-15 reinforces the centrality of faith in God’s plan of salvation and inheritance, exemplified by the faith of Abraham. It distinguishes between the role of the law and the surpassing importance of faith, emphasizing that righteousness before God is attained through faith rather than strict adherence to the law. This passage underscores the timeless message of the New Testament regarding the transformative power of faith in Christ and the futility of attempting to earn salvation through works alone.
Romans 4:16-17
Key sections in Romans 4:16-17 hold significant theological implications.
First, Romans 4:16 states, “Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.” This verse emphasizes the importance of faith in receiving the promises of God. The promise mentioned here refers to the covenantal promises God made with Abraham, which are fulfilled through faith rather than through strict adherence to the law. This idea is consistent with the overarching theme in Romans that salvation is by faith alone, not by works. Abraham is presented as the father of all who believe, regardless of whether they are Jew or Gentile. This inclusion of the Gentiles in the promises of God through faith was a radical concept in the context of the Jewish tradition that heavily emphasized adherence to the Mosaic Law.
Secondly, in Romans 4:17, it says, “He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.” This verse highlights the faith of Abraham in God, specifically in God’s power to bring life from death and to create something out of nothing. Abraham’s faith is commended because he believed in a God who has the power to fulfill His promises even in seemingly impossible situations. This reference to God’s ability to give life to the dead points to the ultimate act of resurrection through Jesus Christ, which is central to Christian faith. The concept of God calling into existence things that did not previously exist echoes the creation story in Genesis, emphasizing God’s sovereign power over all creation. We see a continuation of Paul’s argument about the righteousness that comes through faith in understanding these verses in Romans 4:16-17. The faith of Abraham serves as a model for all believers, both Jews and Gentiles, in trusting in God’s promises. This teaching is not only relevant to the Romans but also resonates throughout the Bible, for example in Galatians 3:6-9 which also speaks of the faith of Abraham being credited to him as righteousness. Through these verses, we are reminded that our relationship with God is based on faith and grace rather than on our own efforts or achievements. The example of Abraham’s faith challenges us to trust in God’s promises and power, even when circumstances seem impossible, for He is faithful to fulfill what He has promised.
Romans 4:18-22
Abraham believed in hope against all odds and became the father of many nations, as it had been said to him.’ Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead—since he was about a hundred years old—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham, a pivotal figure in the Bible, is the focus of this section on faith. Abraham’s story is foundational in the Old Testament, as God made a covenant with him, promising to bless him with descendants and make him the father of a great nation. This promise seemed impossible since Abraham and his wife Sarah were well advanced in age and beyond the years of bearing children.
Abraham’s faith here is extraordinary and serves as a powerful example for believers. Despite the seemingly hopeless and impossible circumstances, Abraham “in hope believed” in God’s promise. This demonstrates a deep trust and reliance on God’s faithfulness and ability to fulfill what He had promised. Abraham chose to trust in God’s sovereignty and power in a world where everything seemed contrary to God’s promise.
The mention of Abraham being credited with righteousness is significant in the context of the overall message of Romans. The apostle Paul, who wrote the book of Romans, is emphasizing the importance of faith in the life of a believer. Paul uses Abraham as an illustration to show that righteousness does not come from following the law or through works but through faith in God. This concept is central to Paul’s teachings throughout his letters and highlights the grace and mercy of God in justifying sinners through faith.
This passage also highlights the concept of faith without wavering. Despite the challenges and obstacles that Abraham faced, he did not allow doubt to overshadow his belief in God’s promise. This unwavering faith is a trait that is encouraged and celebrated in the Bible, as seen in passages like Hebrews 11:1, which defines faith as “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see. Romans 4:18-22 serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of faith in the life of a believer. Abraham’s faith in the face of impossibility and his unwavering trust in God’s promise demonstrate the kind of faith that pleases God. This passage encourages believers to trust in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem dire, and to believe that He is able to do the impossible. It reinforces the timeless message that righteousness comes through faith and underscores the significance of trusting in God’s promises.
Romans 4:23-25
The apostle Paul summarizes the essence of faith in God in Romans 4:23-25, using the example of Abraham. The section can be broken down into two important subparts: the reaffirmation of faith and the significance of Christ’s resurrection.
Firstly, Paul stresses Abraham’s unwavering faith in God. He highlights how the patriarch’s faith was credited as righteousness. This declaration refers to the pivotal moment in Genesis 15:6 when Abraham believed God’s promise of numerous offspring, despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness. This faith was not merely intellectual assent but a deep-rooted trust in God’s faithfulness and power. Paul emphasizes that this righteousness through faith is not dependent on adherence to the law or works but solely rests on trust in God’s promises. This underscores the timeless message that salvation is a free gift received through faith alone, echoing the overarching theme of grace throughout the Bible.
Secondly, Paul transitions to the significance of Christ’s resurrection in the Christian faith. He connects Abraham’s faith to the believers’ faith in God who raised Jesus from the dead. Just as Abraham believed in the God who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not exist, Christians are called to have faith in the God who raised Jesus from the dead. This resurrection power not only demonstrates God’s sovereign authority over life and death but also serves as the ultimate proof of Christ’s deity and the validation of his redemptive work. Paul underscores the foundational belief in the Christian faith that Jesus conquered sin and death by highlighting Christ’s resurrection, offering salvation and eternal life to all who believe in Him. Romans 4:23-25 encapsulates the core principles of faith, righteousness, and resurrection. Through the example of Abraham’s faith and the significance of Christ’s resurrection, Paul underscores the timeless truths of God’s redeeming grace and the centrality of faith in the Christian life. This passage serves as a reminder that salvation is not achieved through human effort or merit but is freely given by God to all who trust in Him. It reinforces the foundational belief in the resurrection of Christ as the cornerstone of the Christian faith, offering hope, assurance, and victory over sin and death.
After Romans 4
The chapter concluded with a powerful message about the nature of faith and its role in our relationship with God. We learned that it is not our own works or merits that justify us, but rather our trust and belief in the promises of God. This truth is the foundation upon which our salvation rests, for it is by grace through faith that we are saved. We must grapple with the implications of this profound truth as we move forward. How does this understanding of justification by faith transform the way we live our lives? What does it mean to walk in the footsteps of our father Abraham, who believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness? These are the questions we must wrestle with as we continue our journey through the Scriptures.
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.