Lord’s Library editors offer a Romans 4:5 meaning with commentary and supporting Scriptures for your edification.
Inspired by the Holy Spirit, Apostle Paul here presents a clear distinction between works-based righteousness and faith-based justification. See Romans 4:5: “But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.” This key verse emphasizes the foundational truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ: salvation is a gift of God’s grace. It reveals that righteousness is imputed to those who trust in the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross, rather than relying on their own religious works.
This echoes the Old Testament account of Abraham, whose belief in God was counted as righteousness. See Genesis 15:6: “And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.” See also this truth in Romans 4:3: “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”
These examples serve as a timeless example of God’s plan of salvation.
Romans 4:5 Meaning
The phrase “worketh not” in Romans 4:5 underscores the futility of attempting to earn salvation through one’s own deeds. Isaiah 64:6 reminds of the insufficiency of these works: “But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.”
No matter how seemingly noble, man’s deeds cannot bridge the gap between a sinful nature and a holy God. Instead, Paul points to faith in the one who “justifieth the ungodly.” This refers to Jesus Christ, whose atoning death on the cross paid the penalty for sin, satisfying God’s justice and providing a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him.
Paul further elaborates on this in Ephesians 2:8-9: “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.” Salvation is entirely a work of God’s grace, received through faith in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It is not a reward for human achievement but a lifeline offered to the undeserving. This aligns with Titus 3:5: “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost;”
The focus on faith is critical. Romans 4:5 directs the reader to believe “on him that justifieth the ungodly.” We know this comes through Jesus Christ, God in the flesh, who bore the sins of humanity on the cross. See also 2 Corinthians 5:21: “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.”
Christ’s blood atonement satisfies the wrath of God, making it possible for sinners to be declared righteous before Him.
Imputed righteousness is further clarified in Romans 5:1: “Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ:” This divine exchange, wherein Christ takes on our sin and we receive His righteousness, is the essence of the Gospel.
By justifying sinners, God demonstrates His perfect love and mercy. As Paul writes in Romans 5:8: “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” This unmerited favor ensures that salvation is accessible to all who believe, regardless of their past.
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