Romans 4
Romans 4 is a chapter in which the apostle Paul explains in depth the relationship between faith and righteousness. Paul gives examples from the Old Testament, including Abraham and David, and emphasizes that a person is declared righteous before God not by the works of the law, but through faith. Through this process, he makes clear that the way of salvation is opened to both Jews and Gentiles.
1verseWhat then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?
2verseFor if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God.
3verseFor what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
4verseNow to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed.
5verseBut to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
6verseEven as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
7verse“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
8verseBlessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”
9verseIs this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
10verseHow then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
11verseHe received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.
12verseHe is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.
13verseFor the promise to Abraham and to his offspring that he would be heir of the world wasn’t through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.
14verseFor if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect.
15verseFor the law produces wrath; for where there is no law, neither is there disobedience.
16verseFor this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace, to the end that the promise may be sure to all the offspring, 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.
17verseAs it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations.” This is in the presence of him whom he believed: God, who gives life to the dead, and calls the things that are not, as though they were.
18verseAgainst hope, Abraham in hope believed, to the end that he might become a father of many nations, according to that which had been spoken, “So will your offspring be.”
19verseWithout being weakened in faith, he didn’t consider his own body, already having been worn out, (he being about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb.
20verseYet, looking to the promise of God, he didn’t waver through unbelief, but grew strong through faith, giving glory to God,
21verseand being fully assured that what he had promised, he was also able to perform.
22verseTherefore it also was “credited to him for righteousness.”
23verseNow it was not written that it was accounted to him for his sake alone,
24versebut for our sake also, to whom it will be accounted, who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,
25versewho was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.
Abraham as an Example: Father of Faith
Verses 1–12 Paul points out that when Abraham showed faith to God, he was not yet circumcised. This is powerful evidence that Abraham was declared righteous not by mere actions, but by faith. Paul also declares that Abraham is the father of all who believe, making it clear that the same grace is given to both Jews and Gentiles.
Fulfillment of the Promise and Faith
Verses 13–22 Paul explains that the promise God gave to Abraham—he would become the ancestor of all nations—is fulfilled through faith, not through the law. He highlights that Abraham fully trusted God’s promise even in situations that were impossible in human terms (his age, when childbirth was no longer possible, and Sarah’s condition). He confirms again that it was that faith that made him righteous, reaffirming the essence of justification.
Righteousness for Everyone Who Believes
Verses 23–25 shows that this record about Abraham applies not only to him, but to everyone who believes in Jesus Christ. A new declaration is made that God counts as righteous those who believe that Jesus died for our sins and rose again.
Meditation Points
- Even the heroes of past faith were declared righteous through the same 'faith' that becomes our example
- Remember that God’s salvation is given to everyone based solely on faith, not to a particular people or on specific conditions
- Take a moment to check your attitude of faith, one that trusts God’s promise even when circumstances seem impossible
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Reflect on whether faith that trusts God—rather than your own actions or efforts—is at the center of your faith
- Hold firmly to the fact that God’s promise is fulfilled regardless of your circumstances, and apply faith that will not be shaken in real life
- Thinking about the door of the gospel open to everyone, check whether you love the people around you and treat them without prejudice
