Lesson 4720

 (Lesson 4720) (01-06-25) Romans 4:1-3 

   “What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found? For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” 

 

   In today’s quote, Paul pointed to Abraham as an example to show that righteousness cannot be earned through works but is credited to a person through faith. He emphasized that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works, as it is written, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness" (Genesis 15:6). Paul made it clear that the righteousness required for admittance into heaven can only be acquired through faith in Jesus Christ—His life, death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. While "good" works are honorable and pleasing to God, they have no part in securing eternal salvation. Salvation is a gift from God, given through faith, not by works, as affirmed in passages like Ephesians 2:8-9, which states, "For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast." ~