In Romans 4, Paul demonstrates that justification by faith is not a new doctrine but has always been God's way of saving sinners. Having established in chapter 3 that people are justified by faith apart from the works of the Law, Paul now turns to Abraham, the most revered patriarch in Jewish history, as his primary example. He shows that Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith, not because of his works, circumcision, or obedience to the Law.
This chapter proves that salvation has always been by grace through faith and that Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe, whether Jew or Gentile.
Key Themes
Paul begins by asking what Abraham discovered concerning justification.
"For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God" (Romans 4:2).
Paul points to Genesis 15:6:
"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Romans 4:3).
The word "accounted" (or "credited") is a key term throughout the chapter. Abraham's righteousness was not earned; it was credited to him by God through faith.
Paul contrasts wages and grace. A worker earns wages as a debt owed, but justification is not earned compensation. Rather, God graciously declares righteous the one who trusts Him.
Paul then appeals to David, who likewise celebrated the blessing of forgiveness and imputed righteousness apart from works (Psalm 32:1-2). Both Abraham and David testify that salvation rests upon God's grace rather than human achievement.
Paul next addresses circumcision, one of the defining marks of Jewish identity.
The chronology is crucial. Abraham was declared righteous in Genesis 15, but circumcision was not instituted until Genesis 17. Therefore, Abraham was justified before receiving the covenant sign.
"How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised (Romans 4:10).
Circumcision served as a sign and seal of the righteousness Abraham already possessed through faith.
This means Abraham is both:
Paul's argument demonstrates that membership in God's family is based on faith, not merely external religious markers.
Paul expands his argument by addressing the Law.
The promise that Abraham would become heir of the world did not come through the Law because the Mosaic Law had not yet been given. Instead, the promise came through the righteousness of faith.
If inheritance depended on law-keeping, faith would be made void and God's promise would lose its certainty (v. 14).
The Law reveals transgression and exposes sin, but it cannot secure God's promises.
Therefore:
"It is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed" (Romans 4:16).
Because salvation rests on grace rather than human performance, God's promise is secure for all believers.
Paul describes Abraham's God as the One:
"Who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did" (Romans 4:17).
This prepares the reader for Abraham's remarkable example of faith.
Paul highlights the nature of Abraham's faith.
Though Abraham and Sarah were far beyond normal childbearing years, Abraham trusted God's promise.
"Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed" (Romans 4:18).
Abraham honestly recognized the physical impossibility of the situation, yet he did not allow circumstances to override God's word.
Instead:
"He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith" (Romans 4:20).
His confidence rested not in his own ability but in God's faithfulness and power to accomplish what He had promised.
Because of this faith:
"It was accounted to him for righteousness" (Romans 4:22).
Paul concludes by applying Abraham's experience directly to believers. The same principle operates today. Righteousness is credited to those who believe in the God who raised Jesus from the dead.
Christ:
"Was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification" (Romans 4:25).
The death and resurrection of Christ provide the basis upon which God justifies sinners who trust Him.
Theological Significance
Romans 4 establishes that justification by faith is rooted in the Old Testament and has always been God's plan of salvation.
The chapter teaches that:
Paul's argument powerfully unites Jewish and Gentile believers by showing that all come to God through the same means—faith in His promises fulfilled in Christ.
Application
Romans 4 reminds believers that salvation rests entirely upon God's grace and faithfulness. Like Abraham, Christians are called to trust God's promises even when circumstances seem impossible.
The chapter also guards against placing confidence in religious activities, heritage, or personal achievements. Good works and spiritual disciplines have value, but they do not form the basis of our acceptance before God.
Abraham's example encourages believers to look beyond present circumstances and place their confidence in the God who keeps His promises and gives life where there appears to be none.
Key Verse
"Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." (Romans 4:3)
Key Theme
Justification has always been by grace through faith. Abraham's righteousness was credited through faith apart from works, circumcision, or the Law, making him the father of all who believe.