Christ’s Righteousness, Received by Grace Alone

Only by Grace

(Romans 4:1-5)

The religions of the world teach that people can be saved by works. Judaism is no different. But the gospel declares that salvation is possible only by the grace of God. The very thought that one can reach salvation by works blocks the way of salvation.

1. Abraham
To persuade the Jews who believed that salvation could be obtained by works, the apostle Paul presented Abraham as an illustration. Abraham lived long before the Law was given. When he was counted righteous before God, there was no Moses yet, and there was no Law. Therefore, his being counted righteous had nothing to do with the works of the Law. Even Abraham, whom the Jews regarded as the most godly and righteous man, was counted righteous not by works, but by faith.

2. Wages and Grace
“Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness” (Romans 4:3). Abraham was counted righteous not as wages, but by grace. What is given to a worker is not grace, but wages. If it is not given, a debt is owed. If salvation were the payment for works, God would no longer be the One who gives grace, but the One who repays a debt. The person God counts righteous is the one who believes in the God who justifies him, even though he is an ungodly sinner.

3. The Cross
Faith itself does not have the power to save a person. The power of salvation is in the cross. God imputed our sins to Christ and placed Christ’s righteousness into our spiritual account. He paid the full price for our sins before we were even born. If we have anything to boast in, it is the cross alone. Let us no longer boast in our own works, but boast only in the cross. And in this amazing grace, let us glorify God.

Overseer Sung-Hyun Kim