What is the main message of Romans 4?

Romans 4 is a pivotal chapter in the Apostle Paul's epistle to the Romans, where he delves into the profound theological concept of justification by faith. This chapter is crucial for understanding the nature of faith and righteousness in the Christian doctrine. As we explore Romans 4, we see Paul skillfully using the example of Abraham to illustrate and reinforce the principle that righteousness comes through faith, not works or adherence to the law. This message is central to Paul's theology and is foundational to Christian belief.

Paul begins Romans 4 by addressing the question of what Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish faith, discovered about being justified before God. He posits that if Abraham was justified by works, he would have something to boast about, but not before God (Romans 4:2). This sets the stage for Paul’s argument that justification cannot be based on human effort or merit, but rather on faith. He quotes Genesis 15:6, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness" (Romans 4:3), to emphasize that Abraham's righteousness was accounted to him because of his faith, not his deeds.

The notion of faith being credited as righteousness is a radical departure from the prevailing Jewish thought of the time, which placed significant emphasis on the observance of the law. Paul argues that if righteousness could be achieved through the law, then faith would be meaningless and the promise void (Romans 4:14). Instead, he insists that the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham (Romans 4:16).

Paul further elaborates on the idea of faith by distinguishing between works and grace. In Romans 4:4-5, he explains that when a person works, their wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation. However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness. This distinction underscores the unearned nature of grace and the futility of relying on human efforts for justification.

To strengthen his argument, Paul references David, another revered figure in Jewish history, citing Psalm 32:1-2. David speaks of the blessedness of the person whose sins are forgiven and whose transgressions are covered, highlighting the joy and freedom that comes from being justified by faith apart from works. This inclusion of David serves to reinforce the continuity of the message of grace throughout the Old Testament, showing that justification by faith is not a novel concept introduced by Paul, but a consistent theme in Scripture.

Paul also addresses the issue of circumcision, a sign of the covenant between God and Abraham, which was a significant point of contention for Jewish Christians. He points out that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised, thus making him the father of all who believe without being circumcised, as well as those who are circumcised but follow in the footsteps of his faith (Romans 4:9-12). This argument dismantles the notion that physical signs or adherence to the law are prerequisites for righteousness, emphasizing instead the primacy of faith.

In Romans 4:13-15, Paul discusses the promise given to Abraham and his descendants. He clarifies that the promise was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. If those who depend on the law are heirs, then faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, because the law brings wrath. This underscores the idea that the law, while revealing sin, cannot be the means of obtaining the promise; rather, it is faith that unlocks the promise of God.

The chapter culminates in a powerful declaration of faith’s efficacy. Paul describes Abraham’s unwavering faith in God’s promise that he would be the father of many nations, despite his and Sarah’s old age and apparent inability to have children. Abraham’s faith did not waver through unbelief; instead, he was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had the power to do what He had promised (Romans 4:18-21). This steadfast faith is presented as the model for believers, illustrating that faith is not merely intellectual assent but a deep, trusting reliance on God’s promises.

Finally, Paul connects Abraham’s faith to the Christian experience, stating that the words "it was credited to him" were written not for Abraham alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead (Romans 4:23-24). This ties the faith of Abraham to the faith in Jesus Christ, who was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification (Romans 4:25). In this way, Paul brings the narrative full circle, showing that faith in God’s promises, as exemplified by Abraham, finds its ultimate fulfillment in faith in the redemptive work of Christ.

Romans 4, therefore, serves as a profound exposition on the nature of faith and righteousness. It challenges believers to reconsider the basis of their relationship with God, moving away from reliance on works and toward a deep, abiding faith in God’s promises. This chapter not only affirms the continuity of God’s plan of salvation from the Old Testament to the New but also invites believers into a transformative understanding of grace, where faith in Christ becomes the sole means of justification. Through the example of Abraham, Paul articulates a timeless truth that continues to resonate with Christians today: that righteousness is a gift of grace, received through faith, and accessible to all who believe.