Passage: Romans 4:1-12 (ESV)
“What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.’ Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.’ Is this blessing then only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say that faith was counted to Abraham as righteousness. How then was it counted to him? Was it before or after he had been circumcised? It was not after, but before he was circumcised. He received the sign of circumcision as a seal of the righteousness that he had by faith while he was still uncircumcised. The purpose was to make him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, so that righteousness would be counted to them as well, and to make him the father of the circumcised who are not merely circumcised but who also walk in the footsteps of the faith that our father Abraham had before he was circumcised.”
Exegesis and Key Themes
- Abraham Justified by Faith, Not Works (Romans 4:1-3)
Paul introduces Abraham as an example to prove that justification comes by faith and not by works. He quotes Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Abraham’s righteousness was a result of his faith, not his actions, underscoring the principle that salvation is a gift of grace, not something earned. - Faith Versus Works (Romans 4:4-5)
Paul contrasts two systems: wages (earned through work) and a gift (freely given). He explains that if righteousness were based on works, it would be something owed to us. However, righteousness is “counted” to those who believe, not to those who work to earn it. This reinforces the idea that God “justifies the ungodly” through faith, not through their deeds. - David’s Testimony to Justification by Faith (Romans 4:6-8)
Paul cites Psalm 32:1-2 to further illustrate that righteousness is a gift of grace. David describes the blessing of having sins forgiven and not counted against us. This reflects the gospel message: that God forgives our lawless deeds and covers our sins through grace, not through any merit of our own. - The Blessing Extends to All (Romans 4:9-10)
Paul asks whether the blessing of righteousness is for the circumcised (Jews) only or also for the uncircumcised (Gentiles). He answers by pointing out that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised. This shows that righteousness is available to all who believe, regardless of their outward religious signs. - Circumcision as a Seal of Righteousness (Romans 4:11-12)
Abraham’s circumcision is described as a “seal” of the righteousness he already had by faith. Paul emphasizes that Abraham is the father of all who believe—both the uncircumcised who follow his faith and the circumcised who walk in faith as he did before his circumcision.
This argument highlights that faith, not outward rituals, is the true marker of belonging to God’s family. It breaks down the barriers between Jews and Gentiles, uniting all believers under the same promise of righteousness through faith.
Life Application
Paul’s message in Romans 4:1-12 is a powerful reminder of the centrality of faith in our relationship with God. Here are some questions and reflections for applying this passage:
- Do I trust in faith or works for my righteousness?
Paul’s teaching challenges us to examine where we place our trust. Reflect on whether you sometimes rely on your good deeds or moral behavior to feel righteous before God. How can you shift your focus to trust fully in Christ’s work on the cross? - How do I view others who are different from me?
Paul emphasizes that Abraham is the father of all who believe, regardless of their background or outward signs. Reflect on whether you harbor any biases or barriers toward others in the body of Christ. How can you demonstrate the unity of faith that Paul describes? - Am I living as someone who has received a gift of grace?
Abraham’s faith was counted as righteousness because he believed God’s promises. Reflect on how your life reflects gratitude and trust in God’s promises. Are there areas where you struggle to believe in God’s faithfulness? - Do I rely on outward rituals or inward faith?
Paul highlights that circumcision was a seal of the faith Abraham already had. Reflect on whether you place too much emphasis on outward expressions of faith (e.g., rituals, church attendance) rather than cultivating a heart of faith and trust in God. - How does this passage deepen my understanding of God’s grace?
Reflect on the blessing of having your sins forgiven and covered, as described in Psalm 32. How does this truth affect your relationship with God and your approach to worship and prayer?
Paul’s teaching in Romans 4:1-12 reminds us that salvation is a gift of grace, accessible to all who believe. Abraham’s example calls us to trust in God’s promises, to live with faith, and to celebrate the unity we share with all believers as children of God through faith.
