Romans 4:5-12 (WEB)
But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
Even as David also pronounces blessing on the man to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:
“Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Blessed is the man whom the Lord will by no means charge with sin.”
Is this blessing then pronounced only on the circumcised, or on the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
How then was it counted? When he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
He received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while he was in uncircumcision, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they might be in uncircumcision, that righteousness might also be accounted to them.
He is the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had in uncircumcision.
🔑 Key Points
1. Faith Alone, Apart from Works
Paul stresses that righteousness is credited not to the one who earns it by works, but to the one who simply believes in God who justifies the ungodly. Justification is a gift received by faith alone.
2. David Confirms Imputation
Paul appeals to David (Psalm 32): the blessedness of forgiveness is God's crediting righteousness apart from works. The believer's sins are covered — God will never charge them with sin.
3. Circumcision Is a Sign, Not a Cause
Abraham was declared righteous years before circumcision. The rite was a seal of righteousness he already possessed by faith, not the means to obtain it.
4. Father of All Who Believe
Abraham is the spiritual father of both the uncircumcised and the circumcised who share his faith. Jew and Gentile are saved the same way — by faith alone.
💬 Discussion Questions
Paul says God justifies “the ungodly.” How does this reshape your understanding of being a Christian, rather than someone who earns God's favor?
Abraham received circumcision years after being declared righteous. What does this teach us about the relationship between faith and religious practice?
Abraham's faith was credited as righteousness before he did anything — your standing before God rests on the same finished work of Christ. Rest in that today.
