Through faith, Jesus gifts forgiveness to the sinners, righteousness to the lawbreakers, and life to the dead.
If I were to ask you, “What makes biblical Christianity stand out from every other religion?” How would you respond? Take a second to ponder on this question.
Some would say, “Jesus, of course!” While Jesus is the heart of the Gospel, many other religions acknowledge Jesus as a prophet or a high-ranked holy man. Then, you may respond with, “heaven, hell, judgement, the virgin birth, or a future resurrection.” Though the fundamental beliefs of each of these topics are unique to Christianity, other religions share similar views.
So, what is it? The answer is: biblical Christianity is the ONLY religion that teaches salvation is offered by God through faith alone and not by works.
There is tremendous power in this statement. Why? Because – every other religion requires that you save yourself by how “good” you are. Salvation by works seems right in man’s eyes, but the issue is “no one does good, not a single one” (Psalm 14:3; Romans 3:12).
Salvation by works appeals to man’s pride rather than God’s glory. It places security in man’s hands by what he or she does instead of a humble response to their brokenness. Man wants to be in control desiring praise for “good works” and justice for “bad works”. This is the crux of man-made religion - if I do more good than bad, then I will be right before God. Fortunately, Jesus offers a different route, and actually… the only route to heaven, that is greater than anything else this world has to offer.
Romans 4 focuses on the faith of Abraham. He was the founder of the Jewish nation that ushered in the Messiah. When Abraham was a wealthy livestock owner, God called him to follow His direction. His obedience to the Father set into motion the development of the nation that God would eventually use as His own when He visited earth Himself as Jesus Christ. Though Abraham was obedient, it was his faith that the “Lord counted him as righteous” (Genesis 15:6). God used Him to bless the entire world when Jesus came to earth fulfilling His promise of a coming Savior.
The Apostle Paul refers to Abraham as an example of what it means to come to God in faith. As we read the fourth chapter of Romans and look at Abraham, we are reminded that - through faith, Jesus gifts forgiveness to the sinners, righteousness to the lawbreakers, and life to the dead.
Forgiveness to the sinners (Romans 4:6-8)
David also spoke of this when he described the happiness of those who are declared righteous without working for it: “Oh, what joy for those whose disobedience is forgiven, whose sins are put out of sight. Yes, what joy for those whose record the Lord has cleared of sin.”
In the previous verses, Paul explains that if a person could earn right standing with God by being good, the granting of that gift wouldn’t be a free act; it would be an obligation. Then, Paul refers to King David’s psalm of an underserving sinner being forgiven (Psalm 32). Many of us have failed desperately. David was guilty of many serious sins - such as adultery, lying, and murder. Yet, when he acknowledged his guilt, confessed it to God, and experienced His forgiveness, he found joy. Admitting our sin and confessing it is an act of faith that results in God’s forgiveness through His son Jesus.
Righteousness to the lawbreakers (Romans 4:14)
If God’s promise is only for those who obey the law, then faith is not necessary, and the promise is pointless.
The more we know about God’s laws, God’s heart, and God’s claim on our lives, the clearer it becomes that we don’t measure up. James 2:4 declares, “For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws.” God’s laws in the Old Testament reflect God’s will for us and following them would lead to a healthy life. Abraham was obedient to God’s law of circumcision, but it did not earn any reward. He had been blessed long before this act of obedience. We all have fallen short and have broken God’s law through sin. That’s why we need His gracious forgiveness and his power to follow his plan. Our outward works will never lead to righteousness, but it is our inward faith that leads to right standing before God.
Life to the dead (Romans 4:24-25)
And when God counted him as righteous, it wasn’t just for Abraham’s benefit. It was recorded for our benefit, too, assuring us that God will also count us as righteous if we believe in him, the one who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. He was handed over to die because of our sins, and he was raised to life to make us right with God.
God offers an unimaginable exchange by believing in the saving work of Jesus. He offers restoration and transformation. He offers life to the dead! All our sin and guilt are nailed to the cross. He gives us his goodness and forgiveness in return when we cry out as sinners for His mercy. When Jesus died on the cross, he took our sin away and washed us clean. When he rose from the grave, He demonstrated his power to transform us. As we surrender our lives to Christ, we die to Him and are raised with Him to new and better lives.
This is the core of the gospel message. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. Faith in Christ alone needs no works to accomplish His goal. It was accomplished once and for all on the cross when Jesus announced “it is finished” with nails in his hands, blood pouring from his body, and thorns thrusted into his skull (John 19:30).
Confess and repent of your sin. Give up control of your life and proclaim the righteousness of Christ. He doesn’t want your good works – He wants you. He is faithful to forgive your sin, perfectly righteous despite your wickedness, and offering new life regardless of your past mistakes. “Faith is the key” that God uses to open the doors of His Heavenly Kingdom for those who believe and call on His name (Romans 4:16).
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