FAITH COUNTED FOR RIGHTEOUSNESS

Romans 4:1-5 What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

With the completion of chapter three, Paul has established that all mankind are sinners, there is none righteous, no, not one. He also wrote to the Roman Christians explaining that all believers of God's word are justified in His sight by unwavering faith that is found in the redeeming quality of the blood shed for the sins of the world by His Son, Jesus Christ. Since it is God's gift to mankind, the hope of salvation cannot be earned by good works, regardless of their extent of charity or their number. If good works was the key to being saved, all could boast that they, themselves, were responsible for their own salvation.

Paul, in the lesson text which begins chapter four, firmly establishes this fact regarding eternal salvation. He uses one of the most revered individuals mentioned in the Old Testament - Abraham. Himself a Jew, Paul refers to his heritage as being of the seed of Abraham (2 Cor. 11:22). The human side of Abraham - that pertaining to the flesh - did not justify Abraham in the sight of God. Whether the flesh refers to the physical good works of Abraham or to the rite of circumcision instituted by God through Abraham (See Gen. 17:9-14), is insignificant. Neither deed is sufficient to earn the forgiveness of sins and justification with God. Abraham could glory and boast if these works were sufficient for him to merit salvation. If it was not possible for the works of Abraham to reconcile himself to God, can anyone, including his seed, expect to do so? This is certainly a rhetorical question asked by Paul, with the obvious answer being, NO!

It is said of Abraham, And he believed in the LORD; and He counted it to him for righteousness (Gen. 15:6). This quotation Paul recites to the Christians at Rome in verse 3 of the lesson text. And what did Abraham believe? In Genesis, verse five we find the answer. God told Abraham to Look now toward heaven, and tell the stars, if thou be able to number them: and He said to him, so shall thy seed be (Vs. 5). What a great example of faithfulness, on the part of Abraham, to the promise of God. Abraham was childless, and due to his age, and his wife, Sarah, they had no physical, human prospects of children. Yet, faithful Abraham believed in God's promise. Reading Romans 4:16-21 we find the strength of Abraham's faith. In verse 3, of the lesson text, Paul writes this of Abraham: his faith in God's promise was so strong that he believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness. Romans 4:18-22 tells us of the tremendous strength of Abraham's faith, and in verse 20, Paul writes that Abraham staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God.

The essence of faith is that mankind believes what God has promised. We find this to be the meaning when the faith of Abraham is examined. Believing faith is what God expects from all of His children. It cannot be explained to any further degree nor can it be expanded upon to include further meaning. Faith is given this dictionary description - from physical faith comes complete trust, confidence, or reliance in another, such as children should, and usually have, for their good parents. Spiritually, faith is unquestioned belief in God as our Creator, the Source of all blessings of life, and, as our Father in Heaven, the Rewarder of eternal life for all His obedient children.

Verse four, of the lesson text makes this human supposition, that if it were possible that man could be justified by works alone, then the reward of eternal life would be due him - he would have earned it. God's grace would not be needed. Instead God would be indebted to such a one. We close this lesson with verse five. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness. The meaning of this is, not that "good works" are unnecessary, but that reliance on them alone for salvation is not God's will. Good works must be performed, but as the result of total faith in God. It is this faith - faith that recognizes one's sinful, ungodly condition, and the need for the soul cleansing power of the blood of Jesus Christ. This faith is the Faith Counted for Righteousness!