In Romans four, Paul emphasizes that Abraham was not justified by works.

Romans 4:1-4 (ESV)
¹  What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? ²  For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. ³  For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” ⁴  Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.

Paul IS NOT teaching that there is nothing for man to do to be justified.  One thing Abraham had to do to be made righteous was believe, and we must do the same thing (John 8:24).  And, while there are more steps involved in obeying the gospel than just believing, that is not what I will be emphasizing in this blog.  I will save that discussion for another time.  I do want you to notice the scripture says that Abraham’s belief was “counted” to him as righteousness.

The word “counted” comes from the Greek word logizomai and means, “to reckon something to a person” or “ to put to his account” (The Complete Word Study Dictionary).   This has to do with crediting something to someone.  I like the way the NASB renders this verse.

Romans 4:3 (NASB)
³  For what does the Scripture say? “ABRAHAM BELIEVED GOD, AND IT WAS CREDITED TO HIM AS RIGHTEOUSNESS.”

The word “credited” is a particularly good one for Abraham and the Old Testament saints because the price for their righteousness had not yet been paid.  The price was the blood of Christ, and when He died on the cross, it flowed backward and paid the price for righteousness on behalf of all of God’s faithful people under the first covenant.

Hebrews 9:15 (ESV)
¹⁵  Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.

Even though the blood of Christ did not cleanse Abraham’s sins for two thousand years after God credited righteousness, his salvation was never in doubt because God has good credit.  His word is sure and His promises are steadfast.  It reminds me of when God changed Abraham’s name from Abram (exalted father) to Abraham (father of a multitude) before Isaac was even born.  When God says He is going to do something, it is as good as done.

While our situation is different than it was for the Old Testament saints, we still must have faith that God is going to do what He says.  The price for sin has already been paid, and our sins were cleansed the moment we were baptized into Christ (Acts 2:38; Romans 6:3-4), but we must trust God thoroughly that we have indeed been made righteous and our sins are remembered by God no more.  The words spoken to Abraham by God now apply to us.

Romans 4:22-24 (ESV)
²²  That is why his faith was “counted to him as righteousness.” ²³  But the words “it was counted to him” were not written for his sake alone, ²⁴  but for ours also. It will be counted to us who believe in him who raised from the dead Jesus our Lord,

Thank God, His credit is still good.

As you wind down for the night, think about these things.