How does Romans 4:23 relate to the concept of faith being credited as righteousness? The Text Itself “Now the words ‘it was credited to him’ were written not only for Abraham” (Romans 4:23). Immediate Context in Romans 4 Verses 1–22 demonstrate that Abraham was justified apart from works, circumcision, or Mosaic law. Verse 22 concludes, “This is why ‘it was credited to him as righteousness.’” Verse 23 pivots: Paul signals that the account in Genesis 15:6 was recorded for a larger audience. Verse 24 finishes the thought by naming that audience: “for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.” Thus, v. 23 functions as the bridge between Abraham’s personal experience and every believer’s standing before God. Old Testament Foundation: Genesis 15:6 Genesis 15:6 reads, “Abram believed the LORD, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Paul cites this verbatim (Romans 4:3, 9, 22). By v. 23 he reminds readers that Moses, under inspiration, intentionally included the statement for posterity. This anchors justification-by-faith in the first book of Scripture, underscoring canonical unity. Paul’s Theological Movement Romans 4 shows five stages: 1. Abraham’s faith precedes works (vv. 1–5). 2. David supports the same principle (vv. 6–8; Psalm 32:1-2). 3. Abraham’s faith precedes circumcision (vv. 9–12). 4. Faith precedes the law (vv. 13–17). 5. Faith defeats human impossibility (vv. 18–22). Verse 23 gathers these strands: Scripture’s record is propositional revelation intended for all generations. Universality—“Not for Him Alone” The negative “not only” denies exclusivity; implicit is the positive “also for us” (cf. v. 24). This affirms: • The same saving mechanism operates across covenants. • Gentiles are full heirs (cf. Galatians 3:7-9). • God’s covenantal dealings exhibit consistency—eliminating accusations of partiality (Romans 2:11). Christological Fulfillment and Imputed Righteousness Verse 24 ties Abraham’s faith to faith “in Him who raised Jesus.” The resurrection vindicates Jesus as the righteous substitute (Romans 4:25). Imputation thus has two phases: sins imputed to Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21a) and Christ’s righteousness imputed to believers (5:21b). Paul’s logic depends on a historical, bodily resurrection—corroborated by the early creed in 1 Corinthians 15:3-7, dated within five years of the event and preserved in P46 (c. AD 175). Harmony with the Wider Canon • Habakkuk 2:4—“the righteous will live by faith”—connects prophets to Torah to Pauline epistles. • Isaiah 53:11—“My righteous Servant will justify many” anticipates substitutionary imputation. • James 2:23 quotes Genesis 15:6 affirming that genuine faith evidences itself in obedient works without contradicting justification-by-faith. Faith vs. Works and the Law Romans 4:23 exposes the futility of legalism. If righteousness could be earned, God would not need to “credit” it. Behavioral science underscores humanity’s inability to achieve moral perfection; Scripture diagnoses this as total depravity (Romans 3:10-18). Therefore, grace is the only remedy. Archaeology and Ancient Near-Eastern Parallels Tablet archives from Nuzi (15th century BC) show covenant formulas paralleling Genesis 15, affirming the historicity of Abraham’s context. The Ebla tablets (24th century BC) list patriarchal names (e.g., “Abramu”), supporting Genesis’ antiquity. These findings validate that the narrative Paul cites is rooted in real events, not myth. Practical Pastoral Takeaways • Assurance: Because righteousness is credited, believers stand justified even amid ongoing sanctification. • Humility: Since crediting is unearned, boasting is excluded (Romans 3:27). • Mission: The phrase “not for him alone” demands global evangelism; the same offer stands for every nation. • Worship: Credited righteousness magnifies God’s glory—the chief purpose of life. Summary Romans 4:23 teaches that Genesis 15:6 was penned for every generation to know that God justifies by faith. The crediting of righteousness is a legal, gracious, resurrection-grounded act, historically reliable, textually secure, theologically central, behavior-transforming, and eternally relevant. |
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