Romans 4: Righteousness is Granted By Faith In God
Collin Leong. October 7, 2025
(v1-25 ) Justified by Faith
(v1-8) Paul argued that if Abraham is justified by works, he had something to boast about, but not before God. The scripture say that "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness." (Gen. 15:6) Wages are not credited as gift but as an obligation to those who works. Those who does not work but trusts God who justify the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. David said the same thing: "Blessed are those whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord will never count against them" (Psalms 32:1-2)
(v9-12) Paul says that this blessedness is given even to those who are not circumcised, for Abraham was blessed before he was circumcised. His circumcision is a sign - a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith. So he is that father of all who believe, but have not been circumcised, in order that righteousness will be credited to them. He is also the father of the circumcised who follow in the footsteps of faith of Abraham.
(v13-15) The promise that Abraham received is not through the law but through righteousness that comes by his faith. If those that depend on the law are heirs, then faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. He added that "where there is no law, there is no transgression" (v15).
This meant that the law only brings awareness of the transgression, and not the solution of the problem of sin.
(v16-17) Therefore the promise comes by faith, by grace and is 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. Abraham is the father of us all, for it is written: "I have made you a father of many nations." (Gen. 17:5) In God's sight, Abraham is our father in whom he believed - the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not.
(v18-25) Abraham believe, although against all hope, and he became the father of many nations, and it was said to him "So shall your offspring be [like the number of the stars]" (Gen 15:5) Abraham knew that he and his wife are old - they were as good as dead, and Sarah's womb was also dead. However he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God. He is convinced that God has the power to do what was promised. This is why it was credited to him as righteousness. God will also credit righteousness to us, who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was delivered to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.
Key Messages
Romans 4 is Paul’s masterclass on justification by faith, using Abraham and David as case studies to show that righteousness has always been by faith, not works or law. It is Paul’s theological bridge between Old Testament faith and New Testament fulfillment. Law brings wrath because it exposes transgression (v15), but faith brings grace and guarantees the promise (v16). Christ’s death and resurrection secure our justification (v25). It shows that God’s way has always been grace through faith—not works, not ritual, not law.
1. Abraham Was Justified by Faith, Not Works (vv.1–5)
If Abraham was justified by works, he’d have reason to boast—but not before God.
Scripture says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
Justification is a gift, not a wage; it’s for the one who trusts God, not the one who earns.
Application: Stop striving to earn God’s approval. Trust Him fully—faith, not performance, is the foundation of righteousness.
2. David Celebrated Forgiveness Apart from Works (vv.6–8)
Application: Rejoice in the freedom of forgiveness. Let gratitude, not guilt, shape your relationship with God.
3. Faith Was Credited Before Circumcision (vv.9–12)
Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised.
Circumcision was a sign of the righteousness he already had by faith.
He is the father of all who believe—circumcised or not.
Application: Don’t rely on outward signs or rituals. What matters is inward faith that trusts God’s promise.
4. The Promise Comes by Faith, Not Law (vv.13–17)
The promise to Abraham and his offspring was not through the Law but through the righteousness of faith.
If the promise depends on the Law, it becomes void—because the Law brings wrath.
Faith makes the promise certain for all Abraham’s offspring—Jew and Gentile alike.
Application: Rest in the certainty of God’s promise. It’s not fragile like law-keeping—it’s firm because it depends on grace.
5. Abraham’s Faith in the God Who Gives Life (vv.18–22)
Against all hope, Abraham believed God’s promise of descendants.
He did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God.
His faith was credited to him as righteousness.
Application: Believe boldly, even when circumstances seem dead. Trust the God who brings life from the impossible. We are not justified by religious rituals, moral achievements, or heritage—but by trusting in God’s promise through Christ. This frees us from striving and invites us into resting faith.
6. Righteousness Is Also for Us Who Believe (vv.23–25)
The words “credited to him” were written not just for Abraham, but for us.
Righteousness will be credited to those who believe in God who raised Jesus from the dead.
Jesus was delivered over for our sins and raised for our justification.
Application: Personalize the promise. Justification isn’t just Abraham’s story—it’s yours. Believe in the risen Christ and walk in resurrection life. Inclusion of all believers: Abraham is the father of all who believe, regardless of background. This affirms the unity of the global church and challenges exclusivism.
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