Romans 4
Summary. In this chapter, we see that Abraham had complete trust in the promises of the Lord God Almighty. The Lord was pleased with Abraham and elevated him to be the father of faith for all humans. Romans 4:1-15. Abraham, the founder of faith for all humans. Humans will be judged by their faith, which their heart believes. The command of circumcision that Abraham received serves as a seal of blessing for his descendants. However, with the coming of Jesus Christ, the beloved Son of God, this commandment has also been lifted up. Only when humans wholly surrender their heart, soul, and will to glorify the beloved Son of God and accept His authority--through faith in Him, by Him, and in Him alone--can their souls be saved. Romans 4:16-20. Abraham, our example of faith in the promise of the Lord God Almighty. The Lord God Almighty always keeps His promises. When humans follow the law of the Lord, grace and mercy are upon their souls. The chosen one in human form, Abraham, did not have doubt in the promise of the Lord God Almighty. Romans 4:21-25. God has a plan to save all humans. Have faith and trust in the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ. He is the only one who has the right to ask and give forgiveness from God the Father for all humans and save our souls.
1
What then shall we say that Abraham, our father, has found according to the flesh?
Comments Romans 4:1
The Bible mentions Abraham as the founder of the faith for the people. And here, the verse also tells us that, as a human at this time, he has found reason to speak and declare the mighty power of the Lord God Almighty for all humans.
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For if Abraham was justified by works, he has reason for boasting, but not toward God .
Comments Romans 4:2
“For if Abraham was justified by works ...” The human who has reason to be proud and confident to say what he has received from the Lord is fit to be the leader of humans into faith.
“But not toward God.” Abraham received blessings to boast about his faith. But that boasting also did not lead him to boast himself up toward the Lord God Almighty; he still considered and put himself down as nothing; he never compared himself or lifted himself up; for him, the Lord God Almighty is above all.
“But not toward God.” Abraham received blessings to boast about his faith. But that boasting also did not lead him to boast himself up toward the Lord God Almighty; he still considered and put himself down as nothing; he never compared himself or lifted himself up; for him, the Lord God Almighty is above all.
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For what does the Scripture say? And Abraham believed God , and it was reckoned to him for righteousness.
Comments Romans 4:3
“... And Abraham believed God.” When you read this verse, your heart should focus on the word “believe.” For the Lord God Almighty, believe with heart, not head, is the point to consider for all humans.
“And it was reckoned to him ...” Humans will be judged by their faith, which their heart believes. The Lord God Almighty is loving, kind, and gentle to all humans who believe and obey His teachings.
“And it was reckoned to him ...” Humans will be judged by their faith, which their heart believes. The Lord God Almighty is loving, kind, and gentle to all humans who believe and obey His teachings.
4
Now, to the working, the reward is not reckoned according to grace, but according to debt.
Comments Romans 4:4
The Lord God Almighty looks to the heart that worships and follows the commandments. You can work to death, but the work without heart and faith will not bring any reward for your soul. The hard work is not for the physical but for the true heart that believes and is faithful to the commandments of God.
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However, to the one not working, but believing on the justifying the ungodly, his faith is reckoned for righteousness.
Comments Romans 4:5
“However, to the one not working ...” The blessed man of the Lord, Abraham, received the wisdom to be able to make a difference in people’s hearts and actions. When the Lord gives understanding to the person, that person’s heart will also have confidence in what to do and say to others.
“His faith is reckoned for righteousness.” When the heart is firm in faith and trust, that heart also will do the right thing that the Lord has given for that soul to do.
“His faith is reckoned for righteousness.” When the heart is firm in faith and trust, that heart also will do the right thing that the Lord has given for that soul to do.
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Just as David also declares the blessing upon the man, to whom God reckons righteousness without works,
Comments Romans 4:6
“Just as David also declares the blessing ...” The Lord God Almighty chose His servant to declare the blessings upon the person whom the Lord God Almighty wants to bless and use, but that person also needs to receive the blessings of this encouragement to stir the heart to stay fixed and be firm in faith and trusting.
“To whom God reckons righteousness ...” Even though the person did not recognize what works he had done to receive these blessings, the Lord God Almighty touched his heart, making him glad and joyful in receiving the great blessings.
“To whom God reckons righteousness ...” Even though the person did not recognize what works he had done to receive these blessings, the Lord God Almighty touched his heart, making him glad and joyful in receiving the great blessings.
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Blessed of whom the lawlessnesses are forgiven, And of whom the sins are covered.
Comments Romans 4:7
Cited from Psalm 32:1.
“Blessed of whom the lawlessnesses are forgiven.” The Lord God Almighty makes a difference in humans. Those who did not follow the law made by humans in order to follow the law of the Lord God Almighty are considered as if they did not commit sins against the law, because the law of the Lord may sound against the law of humans, but the Lord God Almighty has no law against any human. Those who did not commit sins against the Lord God Almighty in the eyes of the Lord are righteous.
“And of whom the sins are covered.” The sins humans commit are covered when they are not against the Lord God Almighty’s commandments; that is what all humans should think about. When the challenges of life come upon a person, the mind should think about the things humans put as law; are they against the law that the Lord God Almighty commands humans, or not? If humans have put the law against the commandments of the Lord, the believer should not follow that law but must follow the law that the Lord has given for all humans.
“Blessed of whom the lawlessnesses are forgiven.” The Lord God Almighty makes a difference in humans. Those who did not follow the law made by humans in order to follow the law of the Lord God Almighty are considered as if they did not commit sins against the law, because the law of the Lord may sound against the law of humans, but the Lord God Almighty has no law against any human. Those who did not commit sins against the Lord God Almighty in the eyes of the Lord are righteous.
“And of whom the sins are covered.” The sins humans commit are covered when they are not against the Lord God Almighty’s commandments; that is what all humans should think about. When the challenges of life come upon a person, the mind should think about the things humans put as law; are they against the law that the Lord God Almighty commands humans, or not? If humans have put the law against the commandments of the Lord, the believer should not follow that law but must follow the law that the Lord has given for all humans.
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Blessed the man to whom, the Lord will not reckon sin.
Comments Romans 4:8
Cited from Psalm 32:2.
The blessings of the Lord fall upon those who follow the commandments of the Lord without doubt or reluctance, even knowing that it will not gain popularity in the eyes of humans; yet they choose to follow the commandments.
The blessings of the Lord fall upon those who follow the commandments of the Lord without doubt or reluctance, even knowing that it will not gain popularity in the eyes of humans; yet they choose to follow the commandments.
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This blessing, therefore, upon the circumcision, or also upon the uncircumcision--for we say, that to Abraham the faith was reckoned to righteousness?
Comments Romans 4:9
“This blessing, therefore, upon the circumcision ...” The Lord God Almighty had given specific instructions for all His children to do and follow. This command, the circumcision, is the seal, for blessing, upon His children. But upon the coming of the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, the commandment has also been lifted up. Only when the children of the Lord God Almighty have surrendered their complete heart, soul, and will to glorify the beloved Son and accept His authority, and only through faith in Him, by Him, and in Him alone, can their souls be saved. Following the commandments but not glorifying the beloved Son of God, that soul cannot reach the Father’s throne, but stays behind the curtain until the true change happens.
“For we say, that to Abraham the faith ...” The Father Himself chose Abraham to be the father of faith for His children without being circumcised. But when the right time came, he also did the circumcision to obtain complete acceptance.
“For we say, that to Abraham the faith ...” The Father Himself chose Abraham to be the father of faith for His children without being circumcised. But when the right time came, he also did the circumcision to obtain complete acceptance.
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How then was it reckoned? Being in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
Comments Romans 4:10
“How then was it reckoned? Being ...” Abraham was reckoned before being circumcised, but after being circumcised, he was counted in completely.
“Not in circumcision, but ...” When Abraham had received the commandment to be the father of faith for the Lord’s children, he was uncircumcised. But when the time came, the Lord God Almighty had guided him to circumcise in order to bring faith and submission for all his children to follow the commandments.
“Not in circumcision, but ...” When Abraham had received the commandment to be the father of faith for the Lord’s children, he was uncircumcised. But when the time came, the Lord God Almighty had guided him to circumcise in order to bring faith and submission for all his children to follow the commandments.
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And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith in the uncircumcision for him to be the father of all those believing, in uncircumcision, for righteousness to be reckoned to them;
Comments Romans 4:11
“And he received the sign of circumcision ...” Abraham had been chosen when he was uncircumcised, but for the work he would do in spreading the faith, he received the circumcision. The Lord God Almighty pointed him to be the example for both circumcision and uncircumcision, in accordance with walking in the faith that the Lord God Almighty has set for all humans.
“For righteousness to be reckoned to them.” Humans look upon each other and have good faith and trust in one person to lead them, but the Lord God Almighty looks at a person’s heart to guide someone else to follow in faith. The plan to save humanity is not only for the chosen, but for all humans of the world.
“For righteousness to be reckoned to them.” Humans look upon each other and have good faith and trust in one person to lead them, but the Lord God Almighty looks at a person’s heart to guide someone else to follow in faith. The plan to save humanity is not only for the chosen, but for all humans of the world.
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and the father of circumcision to those not of the circumcision only, but also to those walking in the steps of faith of our father Abraham in the uncircumcision.
Comments Romans 4:12
There is only one true God, so the Jews and the Gentiles are alike in following the faith of Abraham, which will guide them. This has also pointed him to be the father of faith for all humans. Even those who do not want to be counted as the Lord’s children will receive the reason of faith through the actions of the chosen people who have faith.
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For not through the law the promise to Abraham or to his seed that he should be heir of the world, but through the righteousness of faith.
Comments Romans 4:13
“For not through the law the promise ...” The heir in this place refers to all those who have faith in the Lord God Almighty. Because the seed of the faithful one, they receive the teaching, have an open heart, and have trust in their souls for the work of the Lord God Almighty.
“But through the righteousness of faith.” Those who count as heirs are the ones who have faith and trust in the teaching. The Lord God Almighty has given knowledge to the faithful one to teach the children, and those who receive the teaching of the Lord are the ones who truly count as heirs (Genesis 18:19, Genesis 26:5, Genesis 17:9-13).
“But through the righteousness of faith.” Those who count as heirs are the ones who have faith and trust in the teaching. The Lord God Almighty has given knowledge to the faithful one to teach the children, and those who receive the teaching of the Lord are the ones who truly count as heirs (Genesis 18:19, Genesis 26:5, Genesis 17:9-13).
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For if those that of the law are heirs, faith is made void, and the promise is made of no effect;
Comments Romans 4:14
When the descendants according to faith multiply and do not keep hold of the teaching, they do not count as heirs. And those who have kept the faith and continue trusting and being faithful to the teaching of the Lord God Almighty are the blessed heirs of the chosen one.
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for the law brings wrath; but where there is no law, neither transgression.
Comments Romans 4:15
“For the law brings wrath.” The wrath of God comes when humans obey and follow all the laws of humans without thinking or checking what those laws are truly telling them to do. As long as that law supports their well-being and lifestyle, humans will take that law above all, even when that law of humans is against the law of the Lord God Almighty Himself. The human mind gives the choice for the Lord God Almighty’s law as long as the law of the Lord can accompany with human law. But even if humans completely follow all the laws of humans, that law will bring wrath upon themselves.
“But where there is no law ...” The law of nature (human law itself follows the law of nature of humans, as humans try to make laws to fit their own needs and abilities) can bring punishment for humans if that law of nature itself goes against the commandments of the Lord God Almighty; the punishment and hardship will come upon those who follow without checking. The law of nature and the law of the Lord sometimes go against one another. But all humans remember who created you. The Lord God Almighty created you to be according to His law and guidance. When humans begin to develop knowledge, they come to believe that their instincts are above all, even if those instincts contradict the Lord’s commandments.
“But where there is no law ...” The law of nature (human law itself follows the law of nature of humans, as humans try to make laws to fit their own needs and abilities) can bring punishment for humans if that law of nature itself goes against the commandments of the Lord God Almighty; the punishment and hardship will come upon those who follow without checking. The law of nature and the law of the Lord sometimes go against one another. But all humans remember who created you. The Lord God Almighty created you to be according to His law and guidance. When humans begin to develop knowledge, they come to believe that their instincts are above all, even if those instincts contradict the Lord’s commandments.
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Therefore, from this faith, so that according to grace, for the promise to be sure to all the seed, not to that of the law only, but also to that of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all of us;
Comments Romans 4:16
“Therefore, from this faith, so that according to grace.” When humans follow the law of the Lord, grace and mercy are upon their souls. Life on this earth may be hard, but in the end, the mercy and grace of God will carry you through, and even if life has hardships, peace will remain in your soul.
“For the promise to be sure to all ...” The seed of the chosen people: some will not accept all guidance, leaving them to truly be the true blood of faith pouring on them, but they themselves follow the commandments without accepting those commandments.
“But also to that of the faith of Abraham ...” Anyone who keeps the commandments regardless of the situation they will face, that person the Lord God Almighty considers to be His own.
“For the promise to be sure to all ...” The seed of the chosen people: some will not accept all guidance, leaving them to truly be the true blood of faith pouring on them, but they themselves follow the commandments without accepting those commandments.
“But also to that of the faith of Abraham ...” Anyone who keeps the commandments regardless of the situation they will face, that person the Lord God Almighty considers to be His own.
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as it has been written, A father of many nations I have made you, before whom he believed, God , the One giving life to the dead, and calling the things that are not, as though they were.
Comments Romans 4:17
The chosen one, with his mind open and his heart obedient, believed and trusted what had been said to him. He had taught his descendants about the faith he had, and made his descendants obey and follow the teaching, which has made his seed receive the blessing from the Lord God Almighty according to the faith they have from their forefathers.
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Who, against hope, in hope believed, for him to become the father of many nations, according to that having been spoken, So shall your seed be.
Comments Romans 4:18
“Who, against hope, in hope believed ...” The mind of man cannot find the reason to support what he had been told, but because his heart was full of faith, it made him continue his life according to the guidance of what he had been told, and that has made him become righteous before the Lord God Almighty.
“According to that having been spoken ...” Cited from Genesis 15:5. The ear that received the teaching linked the heart to follow and obey. When the heart obeys the Lord God Almighty, it makes the person speak out and teach the seeds to follow, and that is why the Lord God Almighty has chosen him to be the father of nations, which will link their children to follow what has been received.
“According to that having been spoken ...” Cited from Genesis 15:5. The ear that received the teaching linked the heart to follow and obey. When the heart obeys the Lord God Almighty, it makes the person speak out and teach the seeds to follow, and that is why the Lord God Almighty has chosen him to be the father of nations, which will link their children to follow what has been received.
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And not having become weak in faith, he did not consider his own body having become dead (being about a hundred years old) and the lifelessness of the womb of Sarah;
Comments Romans 4:19
“And not having become weak in faith ...” The chosen one in human form, Abraham, did not have doubt in the promise of the Lord God Almighty. Living day by day and seeing with his own eyes the weakness of his own body being old, but the strength of his faith grew old as the body. When the heart is full of faith, there is no room for fear and doubt. Regardless of the hard situations he was facing, his faith in the Lord God Almighty gave him the strength to go forward.
“And the lifelessness of the womb of Sarah.” Looking and living with his forever woman did not make his own faith crumble. Trusting in the power of the Lord God Almighty, even his own wife was still unbarren, but the age of woman did not make him concerned about the power of the Lord God Almighty. Let all humans remember the situation of this couple. The Lord God Almighty’s power and mercy can be shown to all.
“And the lifelessness of the womb of Sarah.” Looking and living with his forever woman did not make his own faith crumble. Trusting in the power of the Lord God Almighty, even his own wife was still unbarren, but the age of woman did not make him concerned about the power of the Lord God Almighty. Let all humans remember the situation of this couple. The Lord God Almighty’s power and mercy can be shown to all.
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yet at the promise of God , he did not waver through unbelief, but was empowered in faith, having given glory to God ,
Comments Romans 4:20
“Yet at the promise of God.” The Lord God Almighty always keeps His promises. Humans do not keep their promises, but the promises of the Lord God Almighty, with His holiness, will always succeed, and nothing and no hard situation in human life can prevent His promises from being fulfilled. The hopelessness of humans can change when humans change that hope from their own ability and put that hope and trust in the promise of the Lord God Almighty. The duty for humans is only to stay in prayer and beg for keeping faith and trust in the Lord God Almighty’s mercy. When humans place complete trust in God, pray, and meditate on the Holy Word, they themselves will encounter the fulfillment of the promise.
“He did not waver through unbelief.” The Lord God Almighty chose Abraham to be a father of faith, not because of wealth or looks, but because of believing faith and by trusting in the mercy and power of the Lord God Almighty, that your life will be fulfilled.
“But was empowered in faith ...” Believing and trusting in the Lord God Almighty, the soul of a human will get the strength to go on. And at the end of human life, the mighty hand of the Lord God Almighty will uphold the soul of the person.
“He did not waver through unbelief.” The Lord God Almighty chose Abraham to be a father of faith, not because of wealth or looks, but because of believing faith and by trusting in the mercy and power of the Lord God Almighty, that your life will be fulfilled.
“But was empowered in faith ...” Believing and trusting in the Lord God Almighty, the soul of a human will get the strength to go on. And at the end of human life, the mighty hand of the Lord God Almighty will uphold the soul of the person.
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and having been assured that what H e had promised, H e is able also to make.
Comments Romans 4:21
Abraham, with a human mind, believed and trusted that whatever the Lord God Almighty had spoken would all happen, even though he himself and his wife were passing the age to fulfill the duty. And this is what all humans should take as an example: if the Lord God Almighty says something, it will happen, regardless of how impossible the situation is. The Lord God Almighty is above all, and all things are according to His will.
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Therefore, also it was reckoned to him to righteousness.
Comments Romans 4:22
Because of this faith and trust, the Lord God Almighty was pleased with him and lifted him up to be the father of faith for all humans.
23
Now it was not written on his account alone, that it was reckoned to him,
Comments Romans 4:23
The Lord God Almighty chose him to be the father of faith. Abraham’s faith is also the faith not only for His people alone, but for the entire human race. The Lord God Almighty has a plan and sees the way humans respond to the message that has been proclaimed to them. The dark mind that controls humans will try to fight and give humans negative ideas. Even though the Lord God Almighty gives them a clear message about what it is, some have a rebellious mind and will try to fight. But the Lord God Almighty has prepared the way for all humans to be saved. For some, the grace alone will not make the eyes of the spirit open, and the punishment will be the way for that soul. When the soul has no peace, that person will try to seek help, and then the soul will notice the light of the Lord God Almighty.
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but on our account also, to whom it is about to be reckoned, to those believing on H im , having raised Jesus our Lord from the dead,
Comments Romans 4:24
“But on our account also.” The Lord God Almighty loves all humans the same. The plan for saving all cannot be simple and straightforward, but seeing with their own eyes the beloved Son of God and Him touching their hearts will make humans wake up from the slumberness of their souls.
“To whom it is about to be reckoned.” For humans, it is hard to understand how the Lord God Almighty can pick out from such large populations whom to open the spiritual eyes to receive the message. But the Lord God Almighty has created humans, and every human soul has the link to be able to understand and feel the touch of the true message. At the right time, the right message will make the path for that soul to open. At this time (before the right time comes), the soul connects, but it is still dormant, not yet awake; that is why it will be the proper time.
“To those believing on Him ...” All humans will receive the knowledge related to the existence of God the Father, the power and authority that will be and is proclaimed by raising the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, from the dead. This truth will be proclaimed throughout the world, and the spiritual hearts and minds of humans will acknowledge and be ready to receive the loving grace and mercy that have been prepared for all humans.
“To whom it is about to be reckoned.” For humans, it is hard to understand how the Lord God Almighty can pick out from such large populations whom to open the spiritual eyes to receive the message. But the Lord God Almighty has created humans, and every human soul has the link to be able to understand and feel the touch of the true message. At the right time, the right message will make the path for that soul to open. At this time (before the right time comes), the soul connects, but it is still dormant, not yet awake; that is why it will be the proper time.
“To those believing on Him ...” All humans will receive the knowledge related to the existence of God the Father, the power and authority that will be and is proclaimed by raising the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, from the dead. This truth will be proclaimed throughout the world, and the spiritual hearts and minds of humans will acknowledge and be ready to receive the loving grace and mercy that have been prepared for all humans.
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who was delivered up for our trespasses, and was raised for our justification.
Comments Romans 4:25
“Who was delivered up for our trespasses.” Let all believers pay attention to whom the word “who” in this verse is referring to: the Lord Jesus. When the Lord God Almighty gave the true knowledge to our father of faith regarding the beloved Son of God, Jesus Christ, the One who can lead all humans, not only the body, but the soul to be saved, have faith and trust in the beloved Son of God who can save your soul (John 8:56, Luke 24:27). Come and confess your sins, repent, and ask for forgiveness of sins. Only through the beloved Son of God can your soul be saved.
“And was raised for our justification.” The beloved Son of God is raised up in a human body, not spiritual. And God the Father forgives the sins of humans because of One human, the purest human without sin, who has the right to ask and give forgiveness for the sins of all humans. And that forgiveness had been accepted by the Father through One human who has the right to ask and cover the sins of all humans.
“And was raised for our justification.” The beloved Son of God is raised up in a human body, not spiritual. And God the Father forgives the sins of humans because of One human, the purest human without sin, who has the right to ask and give forgiveness for the sins of all humans. And that forgiveness had been accepted by the Father through One human who has the right to ask and cover the sins of all humans.
Life and faith applications. 1) The Lord God Almighty is above all; we are saved by the Lord’s grace and mercy; thus, we must not boast in any way before God. 2) The Lord God Almighty is loving, kind, and gentle to all who believe and obey His teachings. He looks at the heart, and we must believe with our hearts, not just our heads. 3) The Lord God Almighty’s power and mercy can be shown to all. We should all look to Abraham as an example of faith in the promises of the Lord God Almighty, even when our circumstances seem impossible. 4) The Lord God Almighty loves all humans equally and has the same plan of salvation for everyone: to believe in His Son, Jesus Christ. He died on the cross for the sins of the world and rose from the dead in bodily form.