OUR FATHER WHO IMPUTES RIGHTEOUSNESS APART FROM WORKS

In the book of Romans chapter 4 verses 1 - 8, the Apostle Paul says this;

4 What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” 4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

5 But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered;  8 Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Paul, referencing Genesis chapter 15 verse 6 that says ˋAbram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.ˋ, clarifies the fact that Abraham did not gain justification by works because if he did, he would be able to take credit for some of the things that God was assembling towards the redemption of mankind.

All that Abraham did was believe God and that was credited to him for righteousness.  He did not have to do works of righteousness so that he could be paid the what was owned to him. Rather, he simply believed God and righteousness was given to Him by grace. He did not earn anything and yet was justified. 

Paul again references the old testament this time in Psalm 32 verse 1 which says, ˋ Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit.ˋ Here, Paul shows another example out of the book of the law that points to the un-merited receipt of righteousness by having oneˋs transgressions forgiven and having oneˋs sins covered apart from any personal attainment of the law.

Amen.

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