Connecting the Remnant

 In Romans chapters 4 and 5, the Apostle Paul presents a powerful argument that righteousness is attained through faith alone, apart from works. This central theme of the gospel demonstrates that no human effort or adherence to the law can make someone righteous before God. Paul uses the example of Abraham, who was justified by his faith, and he contrasts the sin of Adam, which brought death, with the gift of grace through Jesus Christ, which brings life. These chapters lay a solid foundation for understanding how righteousness is credited to believers by faith alone in Jesus Christ.

In Romans 4, Paul points to Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish faith, to illustrate that righteousness has always been based on faith, not works. Paul writes, “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God” (Romans 4:1-2).

Paul is clear that even Abraham, who is considered one of the greatest figures in Jewish history, was not justified by his works. Instead, Paul quotes Genesis 15:6, which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness” (Romans 4:3). This righteousness was credited to Abraham not because of anything he did, but because of his faith in God’s promise.

This principle applies to all who believe. Righteousness is not something we can earn through our works or adherence to the law. Like Abraham, we are declared righteous when we place our faith in God and His promises. Paul emphasizes this truth in Romans 4:5: “However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.”

Paul drives home the point that faith, not works, is the key to righteousness. He argues that if righteousness could be earned through works, it would be something owed to us, not a gift from God. “Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation” (Romans 4:4).

However, God’s righteousness is a gift, and it is given freely to those who believe. This gift is not based on human effort but on God’s grace. Paul stresses that this principle of faith-based righteousness applies to both Jews and Gentiles. Abraham’s faith was credited to him as righteousness before he was circumcised, proving that righteousness is not tied to the law or to any physical act but is available to all who believe.

In Romans 4:16, Paul summarizes, “Therefore, 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.” The promise of righteousness comes by faith alone, ensuring that it is a matter of grace, not works.

Paul transitions in Romans 5 to explain that the ultimate source of righteousness is Jesus Christ. Just as Abraham believed God’s promises and was justified by faith, believers today are justified by faith in Jesus Christ, who died for their sins and was raised for their justification. Romans 5:1-2 says, “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.”

Faith in Jesus Christ is the foundation of our justification. It is through His sacrifice on the cross that believers are declared righteous before God. This righteousness is not something we achieve through our works but is a gift of grace that comes through faith. As Paul explains, “While we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).

This underscores the unearned nature of our righteousness. While humanity was lost in sin, unable to save itself, Jesus died to reconcile us to God. His death paid the price for our sins, and His resurrection provides the assurance of our justification. Our faith in Christ’s work, not our own efforts, is the means by which we are declared righteous.

Given that our righteousness is based on faith in Jesus Christ, Paul emphasizes that our boasting should not be in ourselves or our works, but in the hope we have in Christ. Romans 5:2 explains, “And we boast in the hope of the glory of God.”

This hope is rooted in the finished work of Christ, not in our own accomplishments or obedience to the law. Our confidence comes from the grace of God, which has been made available to us through faith in Jesus. Even in times of suffering, believers can rejoice, knowing that their hope in Christ is secure.

Paul assures us that this hope “does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). Our hope is firm because it is based on God’s love, not on our ability to meet any standard or earn His favor.

In Romans 5, Paul draws a powerful contrast between Adam’s sin and Jesus Christ’s gift of grace. Just as Adam’s disobedience brought sin and death into the world, Christ’s obedience brings righteousness and life. Paul writes, “Therefore, just as sin entered the world through one man, and death through sin, and in this way death came to all people, because all sinned” (Romans 5:12).

Through Adam’s one act of disobedience, sin and death spread to all humanity. But Paul emphasizes that Christ’s one act of righteousness—His death and resurrection—has a far greater impact. “But the gift is not like the trespass. For if the many died by the trespass of the one man, how much more did God’s grace and the gift that came by the grace of the one man, Jesus Christ, overflow to the many!” (Romans 5:15).

The gift of grace through Jesus Christ is far superior to the curse of sin brought by Adam. Where Adam’s trespass led to condemnation for all, Jesus’ act of obedience leads to justification and life for all who believe. This righteousness is not earned through human effort but is a gift received by faith.

In Romans 4 and 5, Paul makes it clear that righteousness is attained through faith alone, apart from works. Just as Abraham was justified by his faith in God’s promises, so are all believers justified by faith in Jesus Christ. Our works, no matter how good, cannot earn us righteousness. Instead, it is a gift from God, freely given to those who place their faith in Jesus.

Through Christ’s sacrifice, the curse of sin brought by Adam has been lifted, and grace now reigns through righteousness. This gift of righteousness is far greater than the effects of Adam’s sin, offering life and reconciliation with God. Our boasting should be in the hope we have in Christ, not in ourselves or our own efforts. By faith alone, we are made righteous and stand in the grace of God, secure in the hope of eternal life.