What Old Testament connections support Paul's teaching in Romans 4:6? Setting the Scene in Romans 4:6 “David speaks likewise of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works.” Paul’s claim is that justification—being declared righteous—is a gift God “credits” to the believer without reference to human effort. To prove this, he reaches back into Israel’s Scriptures. David’s Voice: Psalm 32:1-2 • Psalm 32:1-2: “Blessed is he whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered! Blessed is the man whose iniquity the LORD does not count against him and in whose spirit there is no deceit.” • Key link: David uses bookkeeping language identical to Paul’s—sins “not counted” and righteousness “credited.” • The psalm focuses on forgiveness granted, not works performed. David rejoices that God’s ledger shows “forgiven” where sins once stood. Abraham’s Pattern: Genesis 15:6 • Genesis 15:6: “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” • Paul cites this two verses earlier (Romans 4:3) and now sets David alongside Abraham to show the principle spans covenant history—from patriarch to king. • Abraham’s righteousness is a divine credit given solely on the basis of faith, centuries before the Law or circumcision. The Prophetic Echo: Habakkuk 2:4 • Habakkuk 2:4: “But the righteous will live by his faith.” • The prophet insists that life with God is by faith, not by rule-keeping. Paul will quote this verse elsewhere (Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11) to reinforce the same truth underlying Romans 4:6. The Suffering Servant: Isaiah 53:11 • Isaiah 53:11: “By His knowledge My righteous Servant will justify many, and He will bear their iniquities.” • Justification is tied to the Servant’s substitutionary work—He “bears” sins so that “many” are declared righteous. Works are displaced by the Servant’s sacrifice. The Righteous Branch: Jeremiah 23:5-6 • Jeremiah 23:6: “And this is His name by which He will be called: ‘The LORD Our Righteousness.’” • Israel’s coming King would embody righteousness on behalf of His people. Paul’s concept of credited righteousness draws on this promise of an alien, God-provided righteousness. Ceremonial Shadows: Leviticus 16:21; Numbers 18:1 • On the Day of Atonement the high priest lays hands on the scapegoat, symbolically transferring sin (Leviticus 16:21). • Priests “bear the guilt” of Israel (Numbers 18:1), picturing imputation—guilt placed on another so the worshiper stands clear. Threading It Together • Scripture consistently presents two parallel truths: human works fail, and God supplies righteousness. • From Abraham’s tent, to David’s psalm, through prophets and priestly rituals, the Old Testament anticipates Romans 4:6: righteousness is credited, not earned. Living Implications • Our confidence rests where Abraham’s and David’s did—in God’s promise, not personal merit. • The same God who did not count David’s sin against him now counts Christ’s righteousness for us. • Worship, obedience, and good works flow out of gratitude, never as a means to secure the credit already granted in Christ. |
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