What is the basis for our righteousness?
1What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, discovered in this matter? 2If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. 3What does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” 4Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation. 5However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 4:1-5 (NIV)
In his letter to the Romans, the apostle Paul tackles a question that has profound implications for our understanding of salvation: Is justification based on faith alone, or do our works play a role? In Romans 4:1-5, Paul presents a compelling case for justification by faith alone, using the examples of Abraham to counter the prevailing religious view of works-based righteousness.
At the heart of Paul’s argument is the idea that if Abraham, the father of the Jewish people, was justified by works, he would have grounds for boasting before God. However, Paul argues that such boasting is impossible, as no one can stand before God and claim righteousness based on their own merits.
The key to understanding Paul’s reasoning lies in the word “credited” (Greek: logizdomai), which appears multiple times in this passage. When Abraham’s faith was “credited to him as righteousness” (Rom.4:3), God conferred upon him a status of righteousness that he did not inherently possess. This concept of “credited righteousness” or “imputed righteousness” was central to Martin Luther’s understanding of “passive righteousness”—being declared righteous by God, apart from our own works.
Paul presents a stark either-or proposition: righteousness is either earned through works (like wages) or credited as a gift, independent of works (Rom.4:4). He defines saving faith in Rom.4:5 as a “trust transfer”—ceasing to trust in one’s own obedience for salvation and instead trusting in God’s way of saving, apart from our efforts.
It’s crucial to recognize that saving faith is not merely an intellectual assent to God’s existence, but a specific trust in His promise of salvation by grace. Misconceptions about saving faith abound, such as the belief that being a good Christian, believing in God and doing His will, or believing in God wholeheartedly. However, these views can lead to insecurity, anxiety, and a lack of assurance, as they rely on our own performance rather than God’s grace.
In contrast, a correct understanding of saving faith leads to humility and confidence, as exemplified by Abraham. When we grasp the truth that our righteousness is credited to us by faith, apart from our works, we can rest in the assurance of our salvation and the freedom it brings from self-reliance and performance-based acceptance.
As we explore this passage, let us examine our own understanding of faith and ask ourselves if we have truly embraced the “trust transfer” that saving faith entails. Are we still trying to earn God’s favor through our own efforts, or are we resting in the righteousness that is credited to us through faith in Christ?
In what practical ways can you demonstrate your trust in God’s promise of salvation by grace in your daily interactions with others?
[The ideas for this week’s materials on Romans 4:1-25 were drawn from Tim Keller’s book “Romans 1-7 for You“]
If you want to get technical on the “Doctrine of Imputation” check out https://www.thegospelcoalition.org/essay/the-doctrine-of-imputation/
I would say that the most practical way to demonstrate my trust in God’s promise of salvation by grace in my daily interactions with others would be to show that same grace to them. Sometimes we can have a natural tendency to have performance based relationships, in which we treat others in accordance with what we feel they have “earned.” But, what I have come to recognize is that if I truly trust in God’s promise of salvation by grace, I will live by that grace, loving others regardless of what I might feel they “deserve.” After all, I certainly did nothing to “deserve” God’s salvation. What right do I have to require others to be deserving of grace? I think that in doing so, this also reciprocally increases our trust as well, as we begin to see that God works in and through these very same people, further putting to shame all our presuppositions and prejudices, (or at least mine😔). If I am saved by grace, I should live by grace, and let the love of Christ compel me to love others the same way He has loved me.
I don’t really know how to answer the “practical” aspect of the question. I have a desire to emulate the Father and extend grace where I can. However, I believe that I am only a conduit for the Father’s grace to flow through to others. The grace He granted me overflow in its abundance and I hope from me He extends His grace to others. I’m only an instrument in His works.
So it is not works by which I’m justified but because I value and crave His grace and His presence, I want to do as He does. Like a son wanting to share in his father’s work, I want to share in His works because then I can be near Him and learn from Him and share in the joy He grants others. Selfishly I want to be there to see His impacts on others lives and witness their joy.
Through faith I’m justified and from faith I share in His works to extend His grace to others!