44 - Bible Commentary | Karuna Sadan

For if Abraham was justified ([a]established as just by acquittal from guilt) by good works [that he did, then] he has grounds for boasting. But not before God! (Romans 4:2 Amplified)

Our own good works will only allow us to boast when we compare ourselves to others. (2 Corinthians 10:12). However, in the sight of God, none of us can brag about anything.

For what does the Scripture say? Abraham believed in (trusted in) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living and right standing with God). (Romans 4:3)

The Greek word that was translated "counted" in this verse is "LOGIZOMAI," and it means "to take an inventory, i.e. estimate". It is an accounting term that means "to enter in the account book"

Now to a laborer, his wages are not counted as a favor or a gift, but as an obligation (something owed to him).

But to one who, not working [by the Law], trusts (believes fully) in Him Who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited to him as righteousness (the standing acceptable to God). (Romans 4:4-5)

Paul was saying that if an individual could be saved by works, then God would be providing salvation as a payment to that person, and of course, that doesn't make sense.

Faith in the finished work of Jesus grants us righteousness; our actions don't. However, true faith will produce right actions (James 2:17-18), and these actions, or lack thereof, can be used by others to determine where we stand with the Lord (1 John 3:7-10).

God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did (Romans 4:17)

God spoke everything into existence, and then it was so. God has given us the same power to create with faith-filled words (Proverbs 18:20-21) If we are going to operate in God's kind of faith, we have to learn to call those things that are not as though they were.

He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4:20)

Each time you praise Him your faith is being strengthened. Lord Jesus had equated praise with strength. (Matthew 21:16)

He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God. (Romans 4:25)

There was a reason why Christ died and rose again. This verse makes it clear. To die because of our sins and was raised to life to make us right with God.

Chapter 4