An example from Abraham

Romans 4

We have been talking about Abraham quite a number of times before. He was a good and obedient man. Even the Bible said of him: “If Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about” (Rom. 4:2). Yes, in terms doing works, he had something to boast about.

But, it continued, “but not before God” (Rom. 4:2).

How can someone who did so much, who obeyed the Lord so much not have anything to boast before the Lord? The reason is simple: Man, whatever work he does, remains a sinner before God, and has nothing to boast about.

Just think: If Abraham did not have anything to boast before God, what about us?

But, the next verse says, “Abraham believed in God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness” (Rom. 4:3). Not because of his works, but because of his faith, Abraham was called a righteous man. And so, the promise of heirship is now guaranteed to those who share his faith (Rom. 4:16), even to us.

This is how we can also be called righteous: through our faith, not through our works. Romans 4:23-24 says, “The words, ‘it was reckoned to him as righteousness,’ were written not for his sake alone, but for ours also. It will be reckoned to us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”

“For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God – not the result of works, so that no one may boast.”

Ephesians 2:8-9