How can Romans 4:4 deepen our understanding of salvation by faith alone? Verse in Focus Romans 4:4: “Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift, but as an obligation.” Why This Line Matters • Paul draws a crisp contrast between “wages” earned and “gift” received. • The statement is literal and universal—true for every employment scenario, but also pointing to the spiritual reality of how God deals with sinners. • It prepares the mind to appreciate that salvation cannot come by moral or religious “work,” but solely by grace. Unpacking the Key Terms • “Works” — any effort to earn standing before God (cf. Galatians 2:16). • “Wages” — what justice owes when labor is rendered; payment earned. • “Gift” — a freely bestowed favor that cannot be demanded (Ephesians 2:8-9). • “Obligation” — a debt; something God would owe if salvation were based on performance. Faith versus Earned Payment 1. Works mindset • If salvation came through human effort, God would be your employer, not your Savior. • Grace would disappear; reward would become compelled (Romans 11:6). 2. Faith mindset • Faith holds out empty hands to receive what Christ earned (Romans 3:24). • God’s righteousness is “credited” (logizomai) apart from works (Romans 4:5-6). • Salvation remains gift, never wage, preserving God’s glory and the believer’s assurance. Old Testament Echoes • Genesis 15:6—Abraham “believed the LORD, and He credited it to him as righteousness.” • Psalm 32:1-2—David rejoices that transgression is forgiven, sin covered, and “the LORD will never count against” him. Paul cites both texts immediately after Romans 4:4 to prove the doctrine stretches back to the patriarchs and poets of Israel. Why Works Can Never Earn Righteousness • The law demands perfect obedience (James 2:10). One failure incurs debt. • Isaiah 64:6—Even “righteous acts” are filthy rags when self-grounded. • Romans 3:23—All have sinned; none possess the currency to pay divine wages. The Gift God Freely Credits • Christ’s obedience (Romans 5:19). • His substitutionary death (2 Corinthians 5:21). • His resurrection, proving payment accepted (Romans 4:25). Practical Takeaways • Rest—Cease striving to deserve forgiveness; trust the finished work of Jesus. • Humility—No room for boasting; faith is receptive, not productive (Romans 3:27). • Security—If righteousness is a gift, it stands secure; earned wages could be lost, but a credited status is anchored in God’s unchanging promise (Romans 4:16). • Gratitude—Salvation by faith alone fuels worship because every blessing flows from grace (Titus 3:5-7). Summing Up Romans 4:4 clarifies that salvation cannot be owed; it must be bestowed. The verse dismantles every performance-based approach and invites the sinner to receive, by faith alone, the righteousness God credits through Christ. |
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