Justified by Faith

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 4:1-12

 

Romans 4:4-5

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[a] him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,

(ESV)

 

Before beginning this study, I want to take a moment to urge those reading this post to continue praying for the people of Ukraine. This is a modern David (Ukraine) and Goliath (David) situation. While military experts placed the odds of victory with the stronger Goliath, David did prevail in his confrontation with Goliath (1 Samuel 17) giving hope Ukraine can prevail in this situation. James 5:16 reminds us that prayer has great power, so I urge everyone reading this to keep praying.

 

The discussion in Romans now shifts from establishing the guilt of humanity culminating in Romans 3:23 establishing the fact that all have sinned to how one can become guiltless through God’s provision of righteousness. The discussion begins with Paul asking what Abraham gained according to the flesh (Romans 4:1). If Abraham gained his righteous standing with God through works of the flesh, he would have had something to boast in as would we all if our salvation was due to our works (Ephesians 2:8-9; Romans 4:2). However, Genesis 15:6 states that Abraham was counted as righteous because he believed in God (Romans 4:3). The passage then compares the difference between one working for their wages versus one who does not work. For one working for a wage, the money is what he or she is due for their labors (Romans 4:4). For one that does not work for their reward, the receipt of their reward is a gift based on belief in the one who justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5). David spoke of one receiving this righteousness apart from works as a blessing for their lawless deeds of sins are forgiven and covered with God no longer counting them against him or her (Romans 4:6-8).

 

The discussion then shifts from righteous justification apart from works to who can receive this gift. Paul asks the reader to consider if the blessing of the gift of salvation is only for the circumcised or also available for the uncircumcised (Romans 4:9). To answer this question, we must consider the timing of God’s calling Abraham righteous, and the implementation of the requirement of circumcision. We find God’s declaration of Abraham as righteous in Genesis 15:6 with the implementation of circumcision in Genesis 17:1-14. Since Genesis is a chronological account of history from creation to Israel going to Egypt escaping circumcision comes after God declared Abraham righteous. Therefore, God’s declaration of Abraham as Righteous has nothing to do with his works of adherence to a religious ritual and everything to do with his belief or faith (Romans 4:11). From this position, Abraham is the father of all who believe without circumcision but also the father of the circumcised who also walk the footsteps of faith Abraham had before his circumcision (Romans 4:12). 

 

Abraham was declared righteous by God in (Genesis 15:6) but this was before he was circumcised (Genesis 17:1-14). Therefore, the declaration of Abraham as righteous before God occurred by faith and was not due to religious adherence to the Law or observance of a religious ritual like circumcision. There is only one righteous man, Jesus Christ and while Abraham did not see Jesus on earth, he lived in anticipation of Messiah coming with that belief counting him as righteous (Galatians 3:5-6).

 

We live under the New Covenant and instead of looking forward to Messiah’s coming, we can look back at the cross (Ephesians 2:14-16; Galatians 6:14; Romans 5:8). However, this still requires faith for we were not present at the cross as eyewitnesses to the crucifixion or the resurrection. I invite those reading this who have not done so to take a moment to pray to receive by faith the gift of salvation and justification offered by God,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

While we look back at the cross for salvation, we do look forward to the return of Christ and the establishment of His kingdom on earth, words we are to encourage each other with (1 Thessalonians 5:11). As we continue to witness events in Ukraine and other parts of the world, have, we have hope for God is in control and will return to bring peace. May God bless and challenge everyone reading this post.