But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness, Truth to Learn It is our faith that God reckons as righteousness, not our works. Behind the Words “Believes” is from pisteuō. This is the verb form of...
Romans 4:4 – Unearned Gift
Now to him who is working, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. Truth to Learn Abraham did not earn his righteousness and neither can we. Behind the Words The words “who is working” are translated from ergodzomai, which means “to work or labor.” “Wages” is...
Romans 4:3 – Righteous Abraham
For what does the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." Truth to Learn Righteousness comes by believing God’s message. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “accounted” is logidzomai, which is an accounting term meaning “to count out as one would count...
Romans 4:2 – No Bragging
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has a boast, but not before God. Truth to Learn Abraham was not saved by doing good works. Behind the Words “Boast” is translated from kauchēma, which is derived from the verb kauchaomai, meaning “to brag” or “to boast.” Kauchēma refers...
Romans 4:1 – Righteousness by Faith Demonstrated
What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? Truth to Learn The Old Testament has examples of justification by faith. Behind the Words “What then shall we say” is a rhetorical question that Paul uses often in this letter to the Roman...