Abraham’s Justification: Faith as the Foundation of Righteousness

Executive Summary ✨

Romans 4 delves into the pivotal concept of justification by faith, using Abraham, the patriarch of the Jewish people, as the quintessential example. This chapter dismantles the notion that righteousness can be attained through adherence to the Law or through works, emphasizing instead that it is a gift received through faith in God’s promises. Abraham’s faith, demonstrated before the Law was given, served as the foundation for his justification, prefiguring the justification available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. The chapter explores the nature of faith, the character of God, and the universality of salvation, echoing the Coptic Orthodox understanding of grace as God’s unmerited favor bestowed upon humanity through the sacrifice of His Son.

Romans 4 is a cornerstone in understanding salvation and challenges the perspective that good deeds earn us God’s love. It is through faith in Jesus Christ that we are made righteous, a concept deeply rooted in the teachings of our Coptic Orthodox Church. Let’s delve into this profound chapter and discover the depths of God’s grace and the transformative power of faith, exploring how “Abraham’s Justification” applies to our lives today.

Commentary Sections

Romans 4:1

Original Greek: Τί οὖν ἐροῦμεν Ἀβραὰμ τὸν προπάτορα ἡμῶν εὑρηκέναι κατὰ σάρκα;

KJV: What shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?

NKJV: What then shall we say that Abraham our father has found according to the flesh?

St. Paul begins by posing a question: What are we to say about Abraham, our ancestor? This is crucial to understand. Paul isn’t dismissing Abraham’s significance, but redirecting the focus from physical descent and works of the Law to the true basis of righteousness. The phrase “according to the flesh” signifies human effort and lineage. The question is not whether Abraham was righteous, but *how* he attained that righteousness.

Spiritual Application: Are we relying on our own efforts and background, or on the grace of God through faith? True faith necessitates abandoning self-reliance and embracing God’s provision.

Romans 4:2

Original Greek: εἰ γὰρ Ἀβραὰμ ἐξ ἔργων ἐδικαιώθη, ἔχει καύχημα, ἀλλ’ οὐ πρὸς τὸν θεόν.

KJV: For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.

NKJV: For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.

If Abraham were justified by works, he would have reason to boast – but not before God. This is the core argument. Boasting implies earning or deserving something, which is antithetical to the concept of grace. If righteousness were achieved through works, God would be obligated, not gracious. But God is not in debt to anyone.

St. Athanasius in “On the Incarnation” writes, ὅπερ γὰρ αὐτὸς ἦν, τοῦτο καὶ πάντας ἀνθρώπους βούλεται γενέσθαι, ἵνα καὶ αὐτοὶ γένωνται θεοὶ, διὰ τῆς τοῦ πνεύματος αὐτοῦ κοινωνίας. (hoper gar autos ēn, touto kai pantas anthrōpous bouletai genesthai, hina kai autoi genōntai theoi, dia tēs tou pneumatos autou koinōnias. – For what He was Himself, that He wills all men to become, that they also may become gods through participation of His Spirit. – Athanasius, On the Incarnation, 54.) Justification is not a merit but a gift enabling us to become like God. This process relies on faith, not works.

Spiritual Application: Do we approach God with humility, acknowledging our unworthiness, or with a sense of entitlement? Humility is the prerequisite for receiving God’s grace.

Romans 4:3

Original Greek: τί γὰρ ἡ γραφὴ λέγει; ἐπίστευσεν δὲ Ἀβραὰμ τῷ θεῷ, καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην.

KJV: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.

NKJV: For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Here, Paul quotes Genesis 15:6: “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” This is the pivotal verse. Abraham’s faith – his trust in God’s promise of numerous descendants and a land – was the basis of his justification. Note that this occurred long before the Law was given to Moses. The verb “accounted” or “credited” (ἐλογίσθη, elogisthe) implies that righteousness was imputed, not earned.

The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the *Theotokos* as a prime example of faith and obedience, mirroring Abraham’s willingness to trust God. Her “Be it unto me according to thy word” (Luke 1:38) demonstrates complete surrender and trust, similar to Abraham’s belief.

Spiritual Application: Do we truly believe God’s promises, even when they seem impossible? Faith is not simply intellectual assent, but active trust that influences our actions and decisions.

Romans 4:4-5

Original Greek: Τῷ δὲ ἐργαζομένῳ ὁ μισθὸς οὐ λογίζεται κατὰ χάριν, ἀλλὰ κατὰ ὀφείλημα· τῷ δὲ μὴ ἐργαζομένῳ πιστεύοντι δὲ ἐπὶ τὸν δικαιοῦντα τὸν ἀσεβῆ λογίζεται ἡ πίστις αὐτοῦ εἰς δικαιοσύνην.

KJV: 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.

NKJV: Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt. But to him who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness.

Paul contrasts grace and debt. If righteousness were based on works, it would be a debt owed by God. But grace is unmerited favor. The startling truth is that God justifies the “ungodly.” This doesn’t mean we should continue in sin, but it highlights the depth of God’s mercy and the fact that none of us deserve His favor.

St. Cyril of Alexandria, in his commentary on Romans, writes, οὐ γὰρ δικαιούμεθα δι’ ἔργων ἡμῶν, ἀλλὰ διὰ πίστεως ἐν τῷ Χριστῷ. (ou gar dikaioumetha di’ ergōn hēmōn, alla dia pisteōs en tō Christō. – For we are not justified by our works, but by faith in Christ. – Cyril of Alexandria, Commentary on Romans). This reinforces the centrality of faith in the Coptic understanding of salvation.

Spiritual Application: Do we understand that our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace? Reject the temptation to believe we can earn our way to heaven. Embrace the freedom that comes from knowing we are loved and accepted by God, regardless of our performance.

Romans 4:6-8

Original Greek: καθάπερ καὶ Δαυὶδ λέγει τὸν μακαρισμὸν τοῦ ἀνθρώπου ᾧ ὁ θεὸς λογίζεται δικαιοσύνην χωρὶς ἔργων, μακάριοι ὧν ἀφέθησαν αἱ ἀνομίαι καὶ ὧν ἐπεκαλύφθησαν αἱ ἁμαρτίαι· μακάριος ἀνὴρ οὗ οὐ μὴ λογίσηται κύριος ἁμαρτίαν.

KJV: Even as David also describeth the blessedness of the man, unto whom God imputeth righteousness without works, Saying, Blessed are they whose iniquities are forgiven, and whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man to whom the Lord will not impute sin.

NKJV: just as David also describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works: “Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, And whose sins are covered; Blessed is the man to whom the Lord shall not impute sin.”

Paul reinforces his argument by quoting Psalm 32:1-2, where David speaks of the blessedness of those whose sins are forgiven and not imputed. This further emphasizes that righteousness is not earned but is a gift from God, covering our unrighteousness through forgiveness. The language of “covering” and “not imputing” suggests a cleansing and blotting out of sin through God’s grace.

Spiritual Application: Do we seek forgiveness for our sins and embrace the peace that comes from knowing we are cleansed by God’s grace? Confession and repentance are essential practices for maintaining a relationship with God.

Romans 4:9-12

Original Greek: ὁ μακαρισμὸς οὖν οὗτος ἐπὶ τὸν περιτετμημένον ἢ καὶ ἐπὶ τὸν ἀκροβύστου; ἐλέγομεν γὰρ ὅτι ἐλογίσθη τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἡ πίστις εἰς δικαιοσύνην. πῶς οὖν ἐλογίσθη; ἐν περιτομῇ ὄντι ἢ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ; οὐκ ἐν περιτομῇ ἀλλ’ ἐν ἀκροβυστίᾳ. καὶ τὸ σημεῖον ἔλαβε τῆς περιτομῆς, σφραγῖδα τῆς δικαιοσύνης τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ, εἰς τὸ εἶναι αὐτὸν πατέρα πάντων τῶν πιστευόντων δι’ ἀκροβυστίας, εἰς τὸ λογισθῆναι καὶ αὐτοῖς τὴν δικαιοσύνην, καὶ πατέρα περιτομῆς τοῖς οὐκ ἐκ περιτομῆς μόνον ἀλλὰ καὶ στοιχούσιν τοῖς ἴχνεσιν τῆς πίστεως τῆς ἐν τῇ ἀκροβυστίᾳ τοῦ πατρὸς ἡμῶν Ἀβραάμ.

KJV: Cometh this blessedness then upon the circumcision only, or upon the uncircumcision also? for we say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness. How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also: And the father of circumcision to them who are not of the circumcision only, but who also walk in the steps of that faith of our father Abraham, which he had being yet uncircumcised.

NKJV: Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, and the father of circumcision to those who are not only of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

Here Paul addresses a potential objection: is this blessedness only for the circumcised (Jews)? He clarifies that Abraham’s faith was credited to him *before* he was circumcised. Circumcision was a *sign* and a *seal* of the righteousness he already possessed through faith. This means that Abraham is the spiritual father of all who believe, regardless of their physical status (Jew or Gentile). This is a crucial point emphasizing the universality of salvation through faith.

The Coptic Orthodox Church emphasizes the importance of baptism as a parallel to circumcision. Baptism is a sign and seal of our union with Christ and our participation in His death and resurrection. However, like circumcision, it is not a means of *earning* salvation but a visible expression of the faith that already exists in our hearts.

Spiritual Application: Do we recognize that salvation is available to all people, regardless of their background or ethnicity? Embrace the universality of the Gospel and reach out to others with love and compassion.

Romans 4:13-15

Original Greek: οὐ γὰρ διὰ νόμου ἡ ἐπαγγελία τῷ Ἀβραὰμ ἢ τῷ σπέρματι αὐτοῦ τὸ κληρονόμον αὐτὸν εἶναι κόσμου, ἀλλὰ διὰ δικαιοσύνης πίστεως. εἰ γὰρ οἱ ἐκ νόμου κληρονόμοι, κεκένωται ἡ πίστις καὶ κατήργηται ἡ ἐπαγγελία· ὁ γὰρ νόμος ὀργὴν κατεργάζεται· οὗ δὲ οὐκ ἔστιν νόμος, οὐδὲ παράβασις.

KJV: For the promise, that he should be the heir of the world, was not to Abraham, or to his seed, through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if they which are of the law be heirs, faith is made void, and the promise made of none effect: Because the law worketh wrath: for where no law is, there is no transgression.

NKJV: For the promise that he would be the heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. For if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise nullified, because the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

The promise to Abraham that he would be the heir of the world (Genesis 22:17-18) was not through the Law, but through the righteousness of faith. If inheritance depended on the Law, faith would be void and the promise meaningless. The Law reveals sin and brings about wrath, because it highlights our inability to perfectly obey God’s commands. Where there is no law, there is no transgression, but the Law exists to show us our need for God’s grace.

Spiritual Application: Do we rely on our own efforts to obey the Law, or do we trust in God’s grace to forgive our shortcomings and empower us to live a life that pleases Him? The Law is a guide, but grace is the source of our strength.

Romans 4:16-17

Original Greek: διὰ τοῦτο ἐκ πίστεως, ἵνα κατὰ χάριν, εἰς τὸ εἶναι βεβαίαν τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν παντὶ τῷ σπέρματι, οὐ τῷ ἐκ τοῦ νόμου μόνον, ἀλλὰ καὶ τῷ ἐκ πίστεως Ἀβραάμ, ὅς ἐστιν πατὴρ πάντων ἡμῶν, καθὼς γέγραπται ὅτι πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν τέθεικά σε, κατέναντι οὗ ἐπίστευσεν θεοῦ τοῦ ζωοποιοῦντος τοὺς νεκροὺς καὶ καλοῦντος τὰ μὴ ὄντα ὡς ὄντα.

KJV: Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham; who is the father of us all, (As it is written, I have made thee a father of many nations,) before him whom he believed, even God, who quickeneth the dead, and calleth those things which be not as though they were.

NKJV: Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all (as it is written, “I have made you a father of many nations”) in the presence of Him whom he believed—God, who gives life to the dead and calls those things which do not exist as though they did;

Because of this, salvation is of faith, that it might be according to grace, making the promise sure to all Abraham’s descendants – not only those under the Law, but also those who share Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all, according to the Scripture: “I have made you a father of many nations.” Abraham believed in God, who gives life to the dead and calls into existence things that do not yet exist. This is a powerful description of God’s creative power and ability to fulfill His promises, no matter how improbable they seem.

Spiritual Application: Do we recognize that our faith is connected to the faith of Abraham and that we are part of a larger spiritual family? Remember that God is able to do the impossible and that nothing is too difficult for Him.

Romans 4:18-22

Original Greek: ὃς παρ’ ἐλπίδα ἐπ’ ἐλπίδι ἐπίστευσεν, εἰς τὸ γενέσθαι αὐτὸν πατέρα πολλῶν ἐθνῶν, κατὰ τὸ εἰρημένον· οὕτως ἔσται τὸ σπέρμα σου. καὶ μὴ ἀσθενήσας τῇ πίστει κατενόησεν τὸ ἑαυτοῦ σῶμα ἤδη νενεκρωμένον ἑκατονταέτης που ὤν, καὶ τὴν νέκρωσιν τῆς μήτρας Σάρρας· εἰς δὲ τὴν ἐπαγγελίαν τοῦ θεοῦ οὐ διεκρίθη τῇ ἀπιστίᾳ, ἀλλ’ ἐνεδυναμώθη τῇ πίστει, δοὺς δόξαν τῷ θεῷ, καὶ πληροφορηθεὶς ὅτι ὃ ἐπήγγελται δυνατός ἐστιν καὶ ποιῆσαι. διὸ καὶ ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ εἰς δικαιοσύνην.

KJV: Who against hope believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations, according to that which was spoken, So shall thy seed be. And being not weak in faith, he considered not his own body now dead, when he was about an hundred years old, neither yet the deadness of Sara’s womb: He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God; And being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.

NKJV: who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, “So shall your descendants be.” And not being weak in faith, he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), and the deadness of Sarah’s womb. He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and being fully convinced that what He had promised He was also able to perform. And therefore “it was accounted to him for righteousness.”

Abraham, against all hope, believed in hope, that he might become the father of many nations. Despite his old age (around 100) and Sarah’s barrenness, he did not waver in his faith. He was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, and was fully convinced that God was able to do what He had promised. Therefore, it was credited to him as righteousness. This demonstrates the power of unwavering faith, even in the face of seemingly impossible circumstances.

Spiritual Application: When faced with challenges and setbacks, do we remain steadfast in our faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises? Let Abraham’s example inspire us to persevere, even when hope seems lost.

Romans 4:23-25

Original Greek: οὐκ ἐγράφη δὲ δι’ αὐτὸν μόνον ὅτι ἐλογίσθη αὐτῷ, ἀλλὰ καὶ δι’ ἡμᾶς οἷς μέλλει λογίζεσθαι τοῖς πιστεύουσιν ἐπὶ τὸν ἐγείραντα Ἰησοῦν τὸν κύριον ἡμῶν ἐκ νεκρῶν, ὃς παρεδόθη διὰ τὰ παραπτώματα ἡμῶν καὶ ἠγέρθη διὰ τὴν δικαίωσιν ἡμῶν.

KJV: Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.

NKJV: Now it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification.

The Scripture’s declaration that righteousness was credited to Abraham was not written for his sake alone, but also for us, to whom it will be credited – those who believe in God, who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. Jesus was delivered up for our offenses and raised for our justification. This connects Abraham’s justification by faith to our justification through faith in Christ’s resurrection. The resurrection is the ultimate proof of God’s power and the guarantee of our own resurrection and eternal life.

Spiritual Application: Do we believe in the resurrection of Jesus Christ and recognize its significance for our salvation? Embrace the hope and assurance that comes from knowing that we are justified through faith in His sacrifice and resurrection.

Key Reflections on Abraham’s Faith 🕊️

Here are some key reflections on what we can learn from Abraham’s example of faith:

• Faith precedes works: Abraham was justified *before* he was circumcised, demonstrating that faith is the foundation of righteousness, not the result of works.
• Faith is universal: Abraham is the father of all who believe, regardless of their background or ethnicity, emphasizing the inclusive nature of God’s grace.
• Faith trusts in God’s promises: Abraham believed God’s promise of numerous descendants, even when it seemed impossible, illustrating the importance of unwavering trust in God’s Word.
• Faith gives glory to God: Abraham’s faith was expressed in giving glory to God, recognizing His power and ability to fulfill His promises.
• Faith is connected to the resurrection: Our justification is linked to Abraham’s faith and to the resurrection of Jesus Christ, demonstrating the continuity of God’s plan of salvation.
• Faith necessitates humility: We must recognize that our salvation is entirely dependent on God’s grace, and it’s not something that we can earn through any action on our part.

FAQ ❓

• Q: If we are justified by faith, does that mean good works don’t matter?

  A: Absolutely not! While we are not justified *by* works, true faith *produces* good works. Good works are the fruit of faith, demonstrating the genuineness of our belief and love for God.

• Q: How does Abraham’s example relate to the sacraments of the Coptic Orthodox Church?

  A: The sacraments, like baptism and communion, are outward signs of inward grace. They are not means of *earning* salvation, but visible expressions of the faith that already exists in our hearts, similar to how circumcision was a sign of Abraham’s faith.

• Q: What does it mean that God justifies the “ungodly”?

  A: This highlights the depth of God’s mercy and the fact that none of us deserve His favor. It doesn’t mean we should continue in sin, but it emphasizes that God’s grace is available to all, regardless of their past or present condition. It is not a license to sin, but rather an invitation to repentance and transformation.

• Q: How can I strengthen my faith like Abraham?

  A: Spend time in prayer and reading the scriptures. Meditate on God’s promises. Surround yourself with other believers who can encourage you. And actively trust in God’s provision, even when circumstances seem difficult. Remember that faith grows through practice and perseverance.

Conclusion ✨

Romans 4 reveals that *Abraham’s Justification* was rooted in faith, not works, making him a model for all believers. This principle underscores the core Coptic Orthodox belief in salvation through God’s grace, received through faith in Jesus Christ. Abraham’s unwavering trust in God, despite seemingly impossible circumstances, exemplifies the kind of faith that pleases God and leads to righteousness. This chapter reminds us to abandon self-reliance and embrace God’s provision, understanding that our salvation is a gift, not something we can earn. By emulating Abraham’s faith, we can experience the transformative power of God’s grace and live lives that give Him glory. Remember, true faith is not merely intellectual assent, but active trust that shapes our actions and decisions, leading us into a deeper relationship with God. Visit dohost.us if you need any web services.

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Abraham, justification, faith, righteousness, grace, Romans 4, Coptic Orthodox, salvation, works, promise

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Explore Abraham’s Justification in Romans 4 from a Coptic Orthodox perspective. Discover how faith, not works, leads to righteousness and salvation through grace.