Connect Romans 4:5 with Ephesians 2:8-9 on salvation by faith. The Heart of Romans 4:5 “However, to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.” • God justifies “the wicked,” not the worthy. • Righteousness is “credited,” not earned—an accounting term signaling a full, legal transfer. • The sole condition: “believes in Him.” Grace Wrapped in Faith—Ephesians 2:8-9 “For it is by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from yourselves; it is the gift of God, not by works, so that no one can boast.” • Grace = God’s initiating favor. • Faith = the open hand receiving the favor. • Gift = no contribution from the recipient. • Result = zero room for boasting. One Message, Two Witnesses Romans 4:5 and Ephesians 2:8-9 echo the same melody: 1. Salvation originates in God’s grace. 2. It is received through faith alone. 3. Human effort is expressly excluded. The Consistent Testimony of Scripture • Genesis 15:6 — “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Galatians 2:16 — “A man is not justified by works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ.” • Titus 3:5 — “He saved us, not by works of righteousness that we had done, but according to His mercy.” • Isaiah 64:6 — Even our best deeds are “filthy rags.” • John 3:16 — Belief, not performance, secures eternal life. • Philippians 3:8-9 — Paul exchanges self-righteousness for “the righteousness from God on the basis of faith.” Why Faith Alone Fits God’s Plan • Protects God’s glory—only He accomplishes salvation. • Levels the playing field—“the wicked” and the moralist stand on identical ground. • Invites assurance—righteousness rests on Christ’s finished work, not fluctuating conduct. • Produces gratitude-driven obedience rather than merit-driven striving. What About Works? • Works are the evidence, not the engine (James 2:17). • Ephesians 2:10 follows 2:8-9: we are “created in Christ Jesus to do good works” after being saved, not to be saved. Living Out a Faith-Received Salvation • Rest—stop trying to pay what Christ already paid (John 19:30). • Rejoice—credit has been placed in your account (2 Corinthians 5:21). • Respond—let gratitude fuel holiness (Romans 12:1-2). |
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