Romans 4:3—“For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.”

Paul appeals to Scripture to establish how sinners are justified before God. Having declared that justification is by faith apart from the deeds of the law, he turns to Abraham. If Abraham had been justified by works, he would have grounds for boasting. Yet before God, he had none (vv. 1–2).

Quoting Genesis 15:6, Paul declares, “Abraham believed God”. Abraham received God’s promise concerning his offspring, trusting the Lord who spoke despite his own inability to fulfil that promise. His faith rested upon God’s truthfulness and power.

“It was counted unto him for righteousness”. The word “counted” expresses reckoning or crediting. God did not reward Abraham’s faith as though believing were a meritorious achievement. Paul immediately contrasts wages earned through works with righteousness graciously counted to the one who believes (vv. 4–5). Faith receives what grace provides.

The righteousness sinners need is found in Christ, who “was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification” (v. 25). Abraham’s experience therefore directs us away from confidence in ourselves towards God’s saving promise, fulfilled in His Son.

Do you seek acceptance with God through religious activity, moral improvement, or faithful service? None can erase your guilt or establish your righteousness before Him. Rest wholly upon Christ. Good works follow justification as its fruit; they cannot purchase it. The sinner who believes God’s gospel possesses a righteous standing bestowed freely by His grace.