"Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt. But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness."
This short lesson is so important to the overall explanation of God's plan of eternal salvation that the bible student should analyze every word of it.
First, we should note that Paul made a clear distinction between those who "work" and those who "worketh not". By doing so, he clarified that those who "work" actually earn their reward and that their reward is not a gift but rather it is payment of a debt. While he/she who "worketh not" (does nothing) yet who professes to, "BELIEVE on Him that JUSTIFIETH THE UNGODLY, his FAITH is counted for RIGHTEOUSNESS.
Who does Paul say is "justified" by belief? It is the UNGODLY, or, maybe better described, those who live their lives in a manner opposed the the will of God. Those are the souls who have no righteousness of their own, but rather are saved by the imputed righteousness of God through Jesus Christ.
If a person could live a life of completer righteousness he/she would not need righteousness imputed into them. But, since we know that there is NO ONE, other that Jesus Christ Himself, that has ever lived a life without sin, we MUST rely on the righteousness of Jesus Christ to make us appear as redeemable in the eyes of God.~
NOTE: Tomorrow's lesson will clarify what it means to be "justified" in the sight of God
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