Studies in theWord

(Note: The resources are indicated throughout the Bible study.)

For our Justification

Context: Romans 4:1-21 – Romans 4:1-5
What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?For if Abraham was justified by works, he has [something] to boast about, but not before God.For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, NKJV (New King James Version) – See Resources Column

Our center of attention today is: to know how we can be righteous.
1. (Romans 4:22) – What was counted for righteousness?

And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Romans 4:3 – For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”
Genesis 15:6 – And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness. NKJV – See Resources Column

4:3 Paul quotes Gen. 15:6 to prove that Abraham was not justified by works. God made a promise to Abraham, and Abraham trusted God to fulfill it. Because of Abraham’s faith, God credited Abraham with righteousness. In gaining this righteousness from God, Abraham did not obey some law or perform some ritual like circumcision, he simply believed God. NKJV Study Bible – See Resources Column

An application:

The faith of Abraham was counted for righteousness. The same is applicable to me my faith in the LORD is counted for righteousness.
The faith of those that believe in Jesus Christ is counted for righteousness.

2. (Romans 4:23-25) – Who was resurrected for our righteousness?

A. (Romans 4:23) – It was not written only for Abraham.
Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, NKJV – See Resources Column

imputed BDAG (A Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament and Other Early Christian Literature) – See Resources Column – “to determine by mathematical process, reckon, calculate, freq. in a transf. sense . . .—But ‘place to one’s account’ can also mean credit τῷ ἐργαζομένῳ ὁ μισθὸς οὐ λογίζεται κατὰ χάριν a worker’s wages are not credited as a favor (but as a claim) Ro 4:4.

B. (Romans 4:24) – It was written for us.
but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, NKJV – See Resources Column

C. (Romans 4:25) – Jesus our Lord was given over and was raised with purpose.
who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. NKJV – See Resources Column

delivered up – VGNTS (Vocabulary of the Greek Testament: Student Edition) – See Resources Column – “παραδίδωμι [page 482]* [paradidōmi, “to hand over,” “to deliver up”]”

4:25 The Lord Jesus was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification. Although the preposition because of (Gk. dia) is used here in connection with both our offenses and our justification, the context demands a different shade of meaning in each case. He was delivered up not only because of our offenses but in order to put them away. He was raised up because of our justification—which we are justified. In the first instance, our offenses were the problem that needed to be dealt with. In the second instance, our justification is the result that is assured by Christ’s resurrection. There could have been no justification if Christ had remained in the tomb. But the fact that He rose tells us that the work is finished, the price has been paid, and God is infinitely satisfied with the sin-atoning work of the Savior. Believers Bible Commentary – See Resources Column

An application:

This was not written only for Abraham. It was written for me since I believe in God who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus was delivered up for my transgressions and was resurrected for my justification.
This was not written only for Abraham. It was also written for those who believe in God, Who raised Jesus Christ from the dead. Jesus was delivered up for your transgressions and was resurrected for your justification.