The Foundation of Grace

 

“Justified by Faith” – Romans 4:1-12

Dear Friends, in Romans chapter 4 the Apostle Paul takes us back to the very beginning of God’s dealings with His people by focusing on Abraham, the father of the Jewish nation. Paul is carefully building his argument that a person is made right with God not through religious works or rituals, but through simple faith. This was revolutionary teaching for many of his Jewish readers.

Paul begins with a direct question: “What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh?” (Romans 4:1 ESV). If anyone could claim to be justified by works, surely it would be Abraham. Yet Paul shows from Scripture that this was not the case. Quoting Genesis 15:6, he writes, “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

This is a crucial point. Abraham’s righteousness was not earned — it was credited to him as a gift the moment he believed God’s promise. Importantly, this happened before he was circumcised and hundreds of years before the Law was given through Moses. Paul uses this historical fact to prove that the way of salvation has always been by grace through faith.

He then brings in the words of King David from Psalm 32, showing the great blessing of the person “whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered” (Romans 4:7-8). This blessing is not reserved for the circumcised Jew only, but is available to all who believe — Jew and Gentile alike.

The chapter powerfully dismantles any idea that we can earn our way to God. If Abraham, the greatest of the patriarchs, was justified by faith and not by works, then the same principle applies to us today. We are not saved by trying harder, attending more meetings, or doing more good deeds. We are saved when we simply believe in the God who justifies the ungodly.

Pause & Pray: Take time to read Romans 4:1-12 slowly, perhaps more than once. Let the Holy Spirit speak to you about the difference between working for God’s acceptance and resting in God’s acceptance. Then pray this prayer:

“ Heavenly Father, thank You for the clear teaching in Romans 4. I confess that I am often tempted to try and earn Your favour through my efforts. Help me to follow the example of Abraham and simply believe You. Thank You that my sins are forgiven and that righteousness is credited to me as a free gift through faith in Jesus Christ. Release me from the burden of self-righteousness and fill me with the joy of the forgiven. May I live today resting in Your grace. Amen.”

Verse to Remember: “And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness.” (Romans 4:5 ESV)

Question to Consider: In what areas of your life are you still tempted to try and earn God’s approval instead of simply trusting in His grace? How would truly believing that you are already accepted in Christ change the way you live this week?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church