Romans 4:5: But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.
When Solomon dedicated the temple, he asked God to condemn the wicked and justify the righteous! (1 Kings 8:31–32) But God justifies the ungodly—because there are no godly for Him to justify! He put our sins on Christ’s account that He might put Christ’s righteousness on our account. 1
“His faith is counted for righteousness.” Faith is the only condition. God accepts faith in lieu of works. There is no merit in faith, but it is the only way of receiving that which God freely offers. Faith honors God and secures righteousness for man. 2
Application
- There is nothing you can do to impress God. But you can please Him by believing Him, in faith. Will you please Him today?
- Why were you such a good candidate to receive His righteousness?
Prayer
Lord, thank you for not rejecting me in my ungodliness. Instead, Your lovingkindness received me, and forgave me, and declared me righteous!
1. Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
2. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Epistles (Romans 1-8) (electronic ed., Vol. 42). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
