Romans 4: Faith not Performance

Romans 4 shifts the focus from works and law to the foundation of true righteousness. Paul goes back to Abraham, the father of the faith, and uses his life to make a critical point: righteousness has always come through faith, not through performance. This chapter reminds us that salvation by faith is not a New Testament invention. It is the way God has always related to His people.

Paul starts by asking a simple question. What did Abraham actually discover about being made right with God. If Abraham had earned his standing by his actions, he would have had something to boast about. But Scripture says something very different.

Romans 4:3 (NIV)
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

That one statement reshapes everything we think about faith. Abraham was not righteous because he lived a near perfect life. He was righteous because he trusted God completely. His faith was counted as righteousness long before circumcision, long before the law, long before any rituals or commandments were given.

Paul uses this to destroy the idea that righteousness can be earned. If Abraham was declared righteous by belief rather than achievement, then righteousness is a gift. It is credited, not deserved.

Romans 4 also highlights the blessing that comes from being forgiven apart from works. David describes this in the Psalms, calling it a gift that restores joy and removes guilt. Paul reminds us that this blessing is available to everyone who believes, not just those who belong to a specific group or follow a specific tradition.

The second half of the chapter focuses on the nature of Abraham’s faith. He believed God’s promise even when everything around him seemed impossible. His body was old. Sarah’s womb was barren. Yet he believed that God could do what He said He would do. That kind of faith honors God, and God responds to it.

1. Righteousness has always come through faith, not works.
   Abraham was declared righteous because he believed God. That same pattern holds true for us today. We do not earn salvation. We receive it by trusting Christ.
2. God credits righteousness to those who trust Him.
   The word credited means placed into your account. God gives what we could never achieve. He replaces our failure with Christ’s righteousness.
3. Faith grows strongest in impossible situations.
   Abraham believed God’s promise even when everything around him looked hopeless. True faith does not come from what we see. It comes from trusting who God is.

So what does Romans 4 call us to do? Rest in the reality that righteousness is a gift. Trust God’s promises even when circumstances feel impossible.
Stop trying to earn what God freely gives. Let your faith deepen by remembering God is faithful to His word.

Romans 4 points us to the heart of the gospel. We are made right with God the same way Abraham was. Not by striving, performing, or earning, but by believing. The God who raised Jesus from the dead is the same God who credits righteousness to those who put their trust in Him.

Key Verse:
Romans 4:3 (NIV)
“Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

Summary (Romans 4:1–25):
(v.1–3) Abraham was justified by faith, not works.
(v.4–8) Righteousness is credited apart from works.
(v.9–12) This blessing is for both Jews and Gentiles.
(v.13–17) God’s promise comes by faith, not by the law.
(v.18–22) Abraham believed God despite impossible circumstances.
(v.23–25) The same faith applies to us through Jesus Christ.

Reflection:

• True righteousness is received, not earned.
• God honors faith that trusts His promises.
• Impossibilities become opportunities for faith to grow.
• The faith of Abraham is the pattern for believers today.

Application / Takeaway:

• Trust God’s promises even when circumstances seem impossible.
• Stop trying to earn what only God can give.
• Let faith become the foundation of your daily walk.
• Remember that God credits righteousness to those who believe in Him.