Why does Romans 4:5 emphasize belief over works for righteousness? Romans 4:5 “But to him who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is credited as righteousness.” Immediate Literary Context Paul’s flow from Romans 3:21–31 into Romans 4 centers on demonstrating that “the righteousness of God” is “apart from the Law” and is received “through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe” (3:22). Romans 4 employs Abraham and David to illustrate that this principle is not an innovation but the original, covenantal means by which God justifies. Verse 5 crystallizes the thesis by deliberately opposing “works” to “belief,” underscoring that righteousness is credited (λογίζομαι, logizomai—an accounting term) solely on the basis of faith. Key Terms Defined 1. Believes (πιστεύω, pisteuō) – A wholehearted trust, reliance, and personal commitment to God’s promise (cf. John 3:16; Hebrews 11:6). 2. Works (ἔργα, erga) – Human deeds done to earn standing before God, especially those prescribed under Mosaic Law (cf. Romans 9:31–32; Galatians 3:10). 3. Justifies the ungodly – God’s forensic declaration that the morally guilty are righteous on grounds external to themselves (cf. Isaiah 53:11; 2 Corinthians 5:21). 4. Credited as righteousness – The imputed status of covenant faithfulness granted by God, not infused moral reform (cf. Genesis 15:6; Philippians 3:9). Old Testament Precedent Abraham believed Yahweh’s promise before circumcision or Mosaic Law (Genesis 15:6; Romans 4:9–11). David, under the sacrificial system, likewise extolled the blessedness of imputed righteousness apart from works (Psalm 32:1–2; Romans 4:6–8). Thus, the Torah itself anticipates justification by faith, nullifying any claim that human performance could ever satisfy divine holiness. Christ’s Fulfillment The righteousness imputed to believers is the perfect obedience of Jesus Christ, vindicated by His bodily resurrection (Romans 4:24–25). The resurrection functions as God’s public validation that Christ’s substitutionary work satisfied the penalty for sin, thereby enabling Him to “justify the ungodly” without compromising divine justice (Romans 3:26). Apostolic Consistency Paul’s insistence on faith apart from works aligns with: • Peter’s testimony (Acts 15:9–11). • The Hebrews’ hall of faith (Hebrews 11). • John’s evangelistic purpose (John 20:31). Early patristic sources—Clement of Rome (1 Clem. 32) and Irenaeus (Against Heresies 4.9.2)—echo the same soteriology, evidencing doctrinal continuity. Why Faith, Not Works? 1. Upholds God’s Glory – Salvation emanates solely from divine grace so that “no flesh may boast” (1 Corinthians 1:29). 2. Reflects Human Inability – Fallen humanity is “dead in trespasses” (Ephesians 2:1). Moral effort cannot resurrect the spiritually dead. 3. Preserves the Universality of the Gospel – Faith is equally accessible to Jew and Gentile, male and female, slave and free (Galatians 3:28). 4. Establishes Assurance – Because righteousness is credited, not earned, believers possess full confidence (Romans 5:1). 5. Motivates True Obedience – Good works become fruit, not root (Ephesians 2:10; Titus 2:14), preventing legalism while discouraging antinomianism. Answering Objections • James 2: Faith without works is dead. James critiques a profession of faith devoid of evidence; Paul addresses the basis of justification. They converge: genuine faith justifies and consequently produces works. • Charge of Licentiousness. Romans 6:1–2 immediately counters. Regeneration transforms desires, making holiness the inevitable outcome of authentic faith. Integration with the Biblical Timeline A young-earth framework places Adam’s fall at the dawn of human history, explaining the universality of sin and death (Romans 5:12). The requirement of substitutionary atonement is thus woven into the fabric of creation from the outset, culminating in Christ, “the last Adam” (1 Corinthians 15:45). Role of the Holy Spirit Faith itself is produced by the Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 2:8). He regenerates, indwells, and seals the believer, ensuring that justification leads to sanctification (Romans 8:9–14). Pastoral and Evangelistic Application Proclaim: God justifies the ungodly who trust Christ. Invite: relinquish self-reliance; receive the free gift. Assure: the one who believes “has eternal life and will not come into judgment” (John 5:24). Exhort: walk in the newness imparted by grace. Conclusion Romans 4:5 emphasizes belief over works because divine righteousness can only be credited, never earned. This preserves God’s holiness, magnifies His grace, guarantees assurance, invites all peoples, and fosters genuine transformation—exactly as Scripture has consistently testified from Genesis through Revelation. |
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