Romans 4:3–4: 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.
The word “credited,” logizomai, has the idea of crediting to one’s account. This is evident despite the various ways different translations render it: counted, reckoned, considered, imputed, computed. These all mean that righteousness was credited to Abraham’s account because of faith, not because of works! 1
The word counted is a banking term. This same word is used eleven times in this chapter, translated “reckoned” and “imputed” and “counted.” When a man works, he earns a salary and this money is put to his account. But Abraham did not work for his salvation; he simply trusted God’s Word. It was Jesus Christ who did the work on the cross, and His righteousness was put on Abraham’s account. 2
Application
- Notice the words: “What does the Scripture say?” So, do you let God have the final word with the all the situations requiring faith in your life?
- Are you pursuing His grace, or are you pursuing His paycheck for all your hard work?
Prayer
Lord, I love You as my Accountant. You have covered all my debts and made me rich in You. Thank You! I am eternally grateful.
1. Hughes, R. K. (1991). Romans: righteousness from heaven. Wheaton, IL: Crossway Books.
2. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.