Faith That Justifies

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Romans 4 follows Paul’s explanation of humanity’s universal need for righteousness and the failure of the law to provide it. Previously, Paul established that both Jews and Gentiles are sinners and that righteousness comes through faith, not law-keeping. This chapter deepens that argument by using Abraham, the father of Israel, as a key example of faith-based righteousness. Understanding Abraham’s role in God’s covenant promises helps readers grasp how justification by faith is not a new idea but rooted in God’s longstanding plan to bless all nations through faith.

What You'll Learn

• How Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness before he was circumcised, showing faith precedes law.
• The difference between earning righteousness by works and receiving it by faith as a gift of grace.
• Why the promise of justification by faith applies to both Jews and Gentiles, not just those under the law.
• How God’s power to give life to the dead undergirds the hope of believers in seemingly impossible promises.
• The connection between Abraham’s faith and the resurrection of Jesus as the basis for our justification.
• The assurance that faith, not law, secures God’s promises and blessings for all who believe.

Justification is by faith alone, exemplified by Abraham, and extends God’s promise of righteousness to all believers.

Bible Translation Note: All Scripture on this page is quoted from the King James Version (KJV) and presented in full without alteration.

Romans 4:1 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

Romans 4:2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Romans 4:3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Romans 4:5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:6 Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Romans 4:7 Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Romans 4:8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Romans 4:9 Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Romans 4:10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Romans 4:11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Romans 4:12 And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Romans 4:13 For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Romans 4:14 For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Romans 4:15 Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Romans 4:16 Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; 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,

Romans 4:17 (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Romans 4:18 Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Romans 4:19 And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:

Romans 4:20 He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Romans 4:21 And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Romans 4:22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Romans 4:23 Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

Romans 4:24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Romans 4:25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Romans 4:1

What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

Study: Paul begins by asking what Abraham, our physical ancestor, discovered about righteousness, setting the stage to explore how faith, not works, defined his relationship with God. This question invites readers to consider Abraham’s example as foundational for understanding justification in the covenant context.

Romans 4:2

For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

Study: If Abraham had been justified by works, he could boast before God, but Scripture shows that boasting is excluded before God’s holiness. This highlights that justification is a gracious act of God, not a reward for human achievement.

Romans 4:3

For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

Study: Paul quotes Genesis to show that Abraham’s belief in God was counted as righteousness, emphasizing faith’s primacy in covenant relationship. This verse reveals that righteousness is credited apart from law, pointing to God’s gracious acceptance based on trust.

Romans 4:4

Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

Study: The reward for works is owed as a debt, not a gift, contrasting with grace. This distinction clarifies that righteousness by works is transactional, whereas righteousness by faith is a gracious gift from God.

Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Study: Faith is credited as righteousness to those who trust God to justify the ungodly, underscoring God’s mercy and grace. This verse reveals God’s character as justifier and highlights faith as the means to receive His righteousness.

Romans 4:6

Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works,

Study: David’s description of the blessed man who receives righteousness without works reinforces that forgiveness and righteousness come by grace. This Old Testament reference connects the Psalms to the doctrine of justification by faith.

Romans 4:7

Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered.

Study: The blessing of forgiven iniquities and covered sins emphasizes God’s mercy and the joy of being reconciled. This verse teaches that true blessedness comes from God’s gracious forgiveness, not human merit.

Romans 4:8

Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

Study: Blessedness is also for those whose sins the Lord does not count against them, highlighting God’s role in removing guilt. This verse deepens understanding of justification as God’s gracious act of not imputing sin.

Romans 4:9

Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.

Study: Paul asks if this blessing is only for the circumcised, affirming that faith’s righteousness extends to the uncircumcised as well. This challenges Jewish exclusivism and opens the promise to Gentiles, showing the inclusive nature of God’s covenant.

Romans 4:10

How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.

Study: Abraham’s righteousness was credited before he was circumcised, proving that faith precedes and surpasses the law’s physical signs. This timing underscores that covenant blessings are based on faith, not ritual.

Romans 4:11

And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also:

Study: Circumcision was given as a seal of the righteousness Abraham had by faith while uncircumcised, symbolizing the covenant’s outward sign. This shows how physical signs point to spiritual realities and include all believers, circumcised or not.

Romans 4:12

And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

Study: Abraham is the father of all who follow his faith, whether circumcised or not, emphasizing spiritual kinship over ethnic lineage. This expands the covenant family to all who share Abraham’s faith.

Romans 4:13

For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith.

Study: The promise that Abraham would inherit the world came through faith, not law, highlighting the insufficiency of the law to grant eternal inheritance. This verse points to the promise’s foundation in faith and grace.

Romans 4:14

For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect:

Study: If heirs were based on the law, faith would be nullified and the promise void, showing the incompatibility of law and promise for justification. This warns against relying on law for salvation.

Romans 4:15

Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

Study: The law brings wrath because it reveals transgression, but where there is no law, there is no transgression. This explains why the promise by faith is necessary to overcome the condemnation of the law.

Romans 4:16

Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; 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,

Study: The promise is by faith to ensure it is by grace and sure to all Abraham’s spiritual descendants, not only those under the law. This verse highlights God’s inclusive grace and the certainty of His promises.

Romans 4:17

(As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

Study: God called Abraham the father of many nations before him, demonstrating His power to bring life from death and call things into existence. This reveals God’s sovereignty and faithfulness to impossible promises.

Romans 4:18

Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be.

Study: Abraham believed against hope that he would become the father of many nations, showing unwavering faith in God’s word despite natural impossibilities. This exemplifies the kind of faith God honors.

Romans 4:19

And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sarah’s womb:

Study: Despite his old age and Sarah’s barrenness, Abraham did not weaken in faith, illustrating steadfast trust in God’s power over physical limitations. This encourages believers to trust God beyond circumstances.

Romans 4:20

He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God;

Study: Abraham gave glory to God by not doubting His promise, showing that faith honors God’s ability to fulfill His word. This teaches that faith includes worship and confidence in God’s character.

Romans 4:21

And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform.

Study: Being fully persuaded that God could perform what He promised shows the depth of Abraham’s faith, which is the basis for righteousness. This challenges believers to a confident trust in God’s promises.

Romans 4:22

And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

Study: Because of Abraham’s faith, righteousness was credited to him, confirming that faith is the means by which God declares us righteous. This verse summarizes the chapter’s key theological truth.

Romans 4:23

Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him;

Study: The crediting of righteousness was not written for Abraham’s sake alone but also for us, linking Old Testament faith to New Testament believers. This shows the timeless relevance of Abraham’s example.

Romans 4:24

But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;

Study: Righteousness will be credited to us if we believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead, connecting justification to Christ’s resurrection. This verse ties faith in the risen Lord to our right standing before God.

Romans 4:25

Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

Study: Jesus was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification, showing the basis of our righteousness is His sacrificial death and victorious resurrection. This completes the gospel foundation for faith and justification.

Romans 4 teaches that Abraham’s faith, not his works or adherence to the law, was the basis for his righteousness before God. Paul uses Abraham’s example to show that justification is a gift of grace received through faith, applicable to all who believe, Jew or Gentile. The chapter highlights God’s power to fulfill His promises, even when circumstances seem impossible, and connects this faith to the resurrection of Jesus, which secures our justification. This chapter underscores that faith alone is the means by which we are made right with God.

Lord, help me to trust You fully as Abraham did, believing Your promises even when they seem impossible. Teach me to rely on Your grace rather than my own efforts, and to rejoice in the righteousness You credit to me through faith in Jesus. Strengthen my faith to give You glory and live confidently in Your promises. Amen.

• Memorize Romans 4:5 and meditate on faith as the basis for righteousness.
• Reflect on a promise from God that seems difficult and pray for faith to trust Him fully.
• Read Genesis 15 and 17 to see Abraham’s faith journey and God’s covenant.
• Confess any tendency to rely on works for acceptance and ask God for grace to trust Him.
• Share with a friend how faith in Christ brings righteousness apart from the law.
• Write in a journal how God has been faithful to His promises in your life.
• Worship God for His mercy and the gift of justification through Jesus’ resurrection.

Romans 4 powerfully teaches that righteousness before God comes through faith, not works, using Abraham as the prime example. It reveals that God’s promises are fulfilled by grace and extend to all who believe, Jew and Gentile alike. The chapter connects faith to the resurrection of Jesus, the ultimate basis for our justification, encouraging believers to trust God’s power and promises fully.

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