Abraham Justified by Faith

What then can we say that Abraham, our physical ancestor,[a](A) has found? If Abraham was justified[b] by works,(B) he has something to brag about—but not before God.[c] For what does the Scripture say?

Abraham believed God,
and it was credited to him for righteousness.(C)[d]

Now to the one who works,(D) pay is not considered as a gift, but as something owed. But to the one who does not work, but believes on Him who declares the ungodly to be righteous,[e](E) his faith is credited for righteousness.

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:1 Lit our ancestor according to the flesh
  2. Romans 4:2 Or was declared righteous, or was acquitted
  3. Romans 4:2 He has no reason for boasting in God’s presence.
  4. Romans 4:3 Gn 15:6
  5. Romans 4:5 Or who acquits, or who justifies

Abraham Justified by Faith

What then shall we say(A) that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh,(B) discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.(C) What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a](D)

Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift(E) 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.(F)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:3 Gen. 15:6; also in verse 22