Abraham, the Father of the Faithful | Romans 4:1-9

The Text 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.”

Some Thoughts To the audience Paul was writing to, circumcision and good works was the major part of their religion. Gods plan though was that our faith in Jesus perfect work was what it would take to be righteous in His eyes.

The life of Abraham and the quote from King David also shows that this is not a new idea or a new plan, but was the plan of God all along.

Verse 4 talking about wages also brings to mind a verse that will come up in a few chapters...

Romans 6:23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.