V erse 4 presents the hypothetical scenario that if one can fulfil the condition of perfect obedience, then justification (or salvation) is not an act of God’s grace, but something that the person deserves as payment. Paul continues here the contrasting scenario that instead of one’s perfect adherence to the Law (by works), he seeks to be justified by believing – this is the idea of justification by all who believe in the Lord Jesus. The expression “believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly” highlights an important point. The ungodly sinners (that is, all of us) are not being justified because we are righteous. We are corrupt and deserve no favour, but God unilaterally resolves to forgive the ungodly, and to treat us as His friends. “…his faith is counted for righteousness.” The sinners’ faith in the Lord Jesus renders him to be justified by God even though he has been, and still is, and will always be, personally undeserving of this merit. This act of justification is based on the premise that our Lord Jesus died in our place to atone for our sins. The ‘benefits’ of the Lord Jesus Christ’s atoning death is therefore imputed to believers in Christ. This act of our Lord renders it possible for God to regard all who base their faith in Christ, as righteous and treat them as though they had themselves obeyed the Law in His sight. Like Abraham, by believing in God, it will be counted to us for righteousness [v. 3].
LESSON
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
THOUGHT
My faith has found a resting place, Not in device nor creed; I trust the Ever-living One, His wounds for me shall plead. I need no other argument, I need no other plea; It is enough that Jesus died, And that He died for me. – E. E. Hewitt
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