NPC MediaFaith, Not Works, Brings Righteousness
What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not toward God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” Now to him who works, the reward is not counted as grace, but as something owed. But to him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
The Apostle Paul opens our passage with a profound question about Abraham, our forefather in faith: "What then will we say that Abraham, our forefather, has found according to the flesh?" He wants us to consider if Abraham earned God's approval through his own actions or religious efforts. Paul immediately answers this by quoting Scripture: "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." This powerful statement clarifies that Abraham's right standing with God came not from his deeds, but simply from his faith. God saw his belief and declared him righteous.
Paul further illustrates this vital truth with an everyday example. When a person works, their reward is a wage, something owed for a service rendered. It is a transaction based on performance, not an act of undeserved favour. Our relationship with God, and the righteousness He gives, is fundamentally different. It is not earned through our spiritual efforts or religious observance. Instead, it is a freely given gift to "him who doesn’t work, but believes in him who justifies the ungodly." This highlights God’s amazing grace: He makes righteous those who, in themselves, are unworthy.
This teaching from Romans is crucial for us as Christians today. Sometimes, in our sincere desire to please God or to see His power move in our lives, we can fall into practices that subtly suggest we need to earn His favour or 'activate' His blessings. We might fast with the intention of compelling God to change a situation, or feel tempted to acquire certain special items, or contribute financially with the belief that these acts will guarantee a specific miracle or outcome. While practices like fasting and giving are part of a believer's life, when their purpose shifts from an expression of devotion and trust to an attempt to manipulate or earn God's response, we misunderstand the very core of the gospel.
God’s righteousness is a gift, received solely through faith in Jesus Christ. His perfect sacrifice on the cross was entirely sufficient. We do not need to add our works to His finished work to be made right with God or to receive His blessings. Our part is simply to believe in Him who freely justifies the ungodly. Let us rest in this liberating truth, trusting completely in God’s grace and the complete work of Christ, knowing that our faith is all He requires for our righteousness.
Let's Pray
Almighty God, we thank You for the clear truth that our righteousness comes through faith in You, not from our own works or religious practices. Forgive us when we have, in our hearts or through our actions, tried to earn what You offer so freely through grace. Help us to fully embrace the sufficiency of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross, knowing it is complete. Strengthen our faith, Lord, that we may trust completely in Your love and Your provision, confident that You justify the ungodly through belief alone. May our lives always reflect Your glorious grace. Amen.
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