Romans Chapter 4: Justification by Faith, Exemplified by Abraham
Share
Summary
Romans 4 establishes that justification comes by faith, not works, using Abraham as the primary example. Paul argues that righteousness is credited through faith for both Jews and Gentiles, fulfilling God’s promise. The chapter unfolds in several key sections:
Abraham Justified by Faith (4:1–8): Abraham was justified by faith, not works, as Genesis 15:6 states, “He believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” David also speaks of blessedness for those whose sins are forgiven by faith, not works (Psalm 32:1–2).
Faith Before Circumcision (4:9–12): Abraham’s faith was credited as righteousness before he was circumcised, making him the father of all who believe—uncircumcised (Gentiles) and circumcised (Jews).
Promise Through Faith, Not Law (4:13–17): God’s promise to Abraham to be heir of the world came through faith, not law, ensuring it extends to all his offspring—Jews and Gentiles—by grace.
Abraham’s Faith in God’s Promise (4:18–22): Against hope, Abraham believed God’s promise of many descendants, trusting despite his and Sarah’s old age. His unwavering faith was credited as righteousness.
Faith for All Believers (4:23–25): Abraham’s example applies to all who believe in God who raised Jesus, who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification.
Cross-References
Justification by Faith:
-
Genesis 15:6: Abraham’s faith credited as righteousness.
-
Psalm 32:1–2: Blessed are those forgiven.
-
Galatians 3:6–9: Abraham’s faith for all nations.
-
James 2:23: Faith fulfilled Scripture.
Faith Before Circumcision:
-
Genesis 17:10–11: Circumcision after faith.
-
Acts 15:5–9: Gentiles justified by faith.
-
Romans 3:30: One God justifies all by faith.
-
Galatians 5:6: Faith working through love.
Promise Through Faith:
-
Genesis 12:3: All nations blessed through Abraham.
-
Galatians 3:16–18: Promise to Abraham’s seed, Christ.
-
Hebrews 6:13–15: Abraham’s patient faith.
-
Romans 9:8: Children of the promise.
Abraham’s Faith:
-
Hebrews 11:8–12: Abraham’s faith in God’s promise.
-
Genesis 18:11–14: Sarah’s barrenness overcome.
-
Romans 10:17: Faith comes by hearing.
-
1 Peter 1:21: Faith in God who raised Christ.
Justification for All:
-
Isaiah 53:5–6: Messiah bears our sins.
-
1 Corinthians 15:3–4: Christ died and rose.
-
2 Corinthians 5:21: Righteousness through Christ.
-
Acts 13:38–39: Forgiveness through Jesus.
General Theme:
-
Ephesians 2:8–9: Saved by grace through faith.
-
Galatians 3:7–9: Children of Abraham by faith.
-
John 3:16–18: Believe in Christ for eternal life.
Theological Meaning
Romans 4 is rich with theological themes that affirm salvation by faith:
Justification by Faith: Righteousness is credited through faith, not works, ensuring salvation is God’s gift (4:5; Ephesians 2:8; Titus 3:5).
Universal Grace: Abraham’s faith, pre-circumcision, shows God justifies all—Jew and Gentile—through faith, not rituals (4:11–12; Galatians 3:28).
God’s Promise: The promise to Abraham is fulfilled through faith in Christ, extending to all nations by grace (4:16; Genesis 22:18).
Faith’s Nature: Abraham’s trust in God’s impossible promise models unwavering faith, credited as righteousness (4:20–21; Hebrews 11:1).
Christ’s Work: Jesus’ death and resurrection secure justification, fulfilling God’s plan for all who believe (4:25; Romans 5:1).
Scripture’s Authority: Old Testament examples (Abraham, David) confirm faith-based righteousness, linking God’s plan across covenants (4:3, 7–8; 2 Timothy 3:16).
Questions and Answers
How was Abraham justified (4:2–3)?
By faith, not works; Genesis 15:6 says his belief in God was credited as righteousness (4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23).
By faith, not works; Genesis 15:6 says his belief in God was credited as righteousness (4:3; Galatians 3:6; James 2:23).
Why is circumcision significant (4:9–11)?
Abraham was justified before circumcision, making him the father of all believers—Gentiles (uncircumcised) and Jews (circumcised) (4:11; Acts 15:1–11).
Abraham was justified before circumcision, making him the father of all believers—Gentiles (uncircumcised) and Jews (circumcised) (4:11; Acts 15:1–11).
Why not through the law (4:13)?
The law, given later, cannot annul God’s promise to Abraham, which was by faith, ensuring grace for all (4:13–14; Galatians 3:17–18).
The law, given later, cannot annul God’s promise to Abraham, which was by faith, ensuring grace for all (4:13–14; Galatians 3:17–18).
What was Abraham’s faith like (4:18–21)?
He believed God’s promise of descendants despite his and Sarah’s old age, trusting God’s power without wavering (4:20–21; Hebrews 11:11–12).
He believed God’s promise of descendants despite his and Sarah’s old age, trusting God’s power without wavering (4:20–21; Hebrews 11:11–12).
How does Abraham’s faith apply to us (4:23–24)?
His example shows that faith in God, who raised Jesus, credits righteousness to all believers (4:24; Romans 10:9; 1 Peter 1:21).
His example shows that faith in God, who raised Jesus, credits righteousness to all believers (4:24; Romans 10:9; 1 Peter 1:21).
What does “delivered for our sins” mean (4:25)?
Jesus was crucified to pay for our sins and raised to secure our justification, fulfilling God’s plan (4:25; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
Jesus was crucified to pay for our sins and raised to secure our justification, fulfilling God’s plan (4:25; Isaiah 53:5; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4).
Who are Abraham’s “offspring” (4:16)?
All who share his faith—Jews and Gentiles—united as God’s children through Christ (4:16; Galatians 3:7, 29).
All who share his faith—Jews and Gentiles—united as God’s children through Christ (4:16; Galatians 3:7, 29).
How does this apply today?
Believers should trust God’s promises, rely on faith for righteousness, and embrace their identity as Abraham’s heirs (4:11; Ephesians 3:6; Hebrews 10:23).
Believers should trust God’s promises, rely on faith for righteousness, and embrace their identity as Abraham’s heirs (4:11; Ephesians 3:6; Hebrews 10:23).
Additional Notes for Readers
Historical Context: Written around AD 57 from Corinth, Romans 4 addresses a Roman church of Jewish and Gentile believers debating the law and circumcision (Romans 3:1; Acts 18:2). Abraham was revered by Jews as their father (Genesis 12:1–3), making him a key example (John 8:39). Paul’s use of Genesis 15:6 (4:3) counters Jewish reliance on works (Galatians 3:10). Gentiles, uncircumcised, were included in God’s promise (Acts 10:45). David’s psalm (4:7–8) reinforces forgiveness by faith (Psalm 32:1–2).
Cultural Questions: Readers may ask why Abraham is central (4:1). As the patriarch, he was the model of faith for Jews (Luke 3:8). Circumcision (4:10) was a Jewish identity marker, debated in early Christianity (Acts 15:5). “Credited as righteousness” (4:3) uses accounting language, familiar in Roman commerce (Philippians 3:9). Abraham’s age (4:19) highlights God’s power over human limits (Genesis 18:11). The promise of “heir of the world” (4:13) expands Jewish hopes to all nations (Genesis 22:18).
Application: Romans 4 calls believers to trust God’s grace for justification, follow Abraham’s faith in impossible promises, and share the gospel with all. It encourages confidence in Christ’s finished work and unity as God’s people (Galatians 3:26–28; Hebrews 11:6).