GOOD WORKS DON’T COUNT FOR JUSTIFICATION
ROMANS 4:4–12
Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation
(Romans 4:4).
Here we see the clear issue of merit and grace. If I really am righteous, then a just and holy God need not exercise grace to redeem me. If I am truly virtuous, He must let me into the kingdom on the basis of pure justice, because my virtue requires reward.
The Sinner Has No Merit
“However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness” (Romans 4:5). Paul says that our justification is based on grace. Certainly there is merit, but that merit is Christ’s. It is only when that merit is transferred to me that I can be saved. It is His righteousness that saves me, not my own.
“David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works” (Romans 4:6). Not only Abraham but also David was justified completely by faith. This verse reinforces the Protestant doctrine of justification by faith alone. Roman Catholicism teaches that faith is necessary, but that works are also necessary for justification. The Bible, however, shows us that justification before God is entirely by faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Forgiveness, Not Merit, Is the Issue
How does David express this truth? David says that no good works will make up for our sins. Rather, “Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him” (Romans 4:7–8; Psalm 32:1–2).
David shows the heart of the justified man. Such a person does not approach God boasting of his good deeds, but praising God for covering his sins. The justified man knows that his good deeds are as filthy rags before the holiness of God and relies on Christ alone.
CORAM DEO
Check your spiritual pulse. What is your attitude when you come before God? Does your heart reflect David’s gratitude, or do you sometimes feel that God owes you something? What is one area of your life where you have struggled to yield to His control? Consider asking a brother or sister in Christ to hold you accountable to grow in this area of weakness.
For further study: John 3:1–21; Colossians 1:9–14; Hebrews 9:11–22
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