Romans 4
Romans 4: Faith and Justification for Everyone
As we dive into Romans 4, Paul brings us face to face with one of the core aspects of Christianity: justification by faith. This chapter emphasizes that no matter who we are, whether we’ve grown up with religious practices or come from a completely different background, we all share the same need for righteousness, which only comes through Christ.
The Heart of the Gospel: Justification by Faith
In Romans 1-3, we saw the universal problem of sin—how both Jews and Gentiles fall short of God's glory. We learned that no one is exempt from needing a savior. Romans 4 brings us to the heart of the solution: justification. Paul introduces us to the example of Abraham, showing that righteousness is not something we can achieve through our works or heritage. It’s a gift we receive when we believe in God’s promises.
Abraham’s faith, as Paul writes, was credited to him as righteousness. Abraham didn’t earn it; he simply believed God. His belief in God's promises—despite circumstances that seemed impossible—was counted as righteousness. This is a powerful message for us today. We too must believe—not in our own abilities, but in God's power and His promises. We must recognize that our righteousness is not based on our deeds but on Christ’s finished work.
Are We Good Enough? The Simple but Challenging Truth
We often wrestle with the question: "Am I going to heaven?" It’s a question that comes up frequently in ministry and in personal reflection. The answer, according to Romans 4, is simple but not always easy. We go to heaven because we repent of our sins and place our faith in Jesus Christ—believing that He died for our sins, that He rose again, and that He’s promised to return.
It’s not about being "good enough" by our standards. It’s about believing in Christ and receiving His righteousness. As Paul emphasizes, it’s faith, not works, that saves us. This is the beauty and the simplicity of the gospel: it’s for everyone. Whether you're just beginning your faith journey or have walked with God for years, the answer remains the same—repent and believe.
Faith in God’s Power: Abraham’s Example
Romans 4 also reminds us of God’s incredible power to bring life from death. Paul references God’s promise to Abraham that he would become the father of many nations, even though his body was as good as dead. Yet, Abraham believed that God could do what He promised. This isn’t about human manifestation or speaking things into existence as some modern teachings suggest. It’s about trusting in God, who speaks life into existence from nothing.
This is where true faith lies—not in our own ability to create or manifest outcomes, but in God’s sovereign power to bring about what He has promised. It’s this kind of faith that justifies us before God.
The Beauty of Christianity: No Added Requirements
One of the key takeaways from Romans 4 is that our salvation is not dependent on anything we add to it. There’s no "plus" to faith. We aren’t saved by faith plus purity, faith plus works, or faith plus anything else. It's simply faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham’s story reminds us that it’s God’s faithfulness, not our own efforts, that makes us righteous.
This principle is foundational to understanding the heart of Christianity. Jesus made this message clear when He challenged the Pharisees, who tried to add human rules and traditions to God’s simple call to faith. The gospel is for everyone, regardless of their background or past. All we need to do is repent and believe.
In a world that constantly tries to make things more complicated, it’s refreshing to know that our relationship with God is as simple as faith in Christ. Let’s remember that, as Paul points out, God’s promises are available to all who believe. Whether you’ve walked in the faith for years or are just starting, the invitation is the same—repent, believe, and receive His righteousness.
