Early on in or study in Romans we read in Chapter 4:3 “For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” God made a promise to Abraham and Abraham believed God in vs. 21 “Abraham . . . being fully persuaded that, what he had promised, he was able also to perform. 22 And therefore it was imputed to him for righteousness.”

God ascribed a right relationship between Himself and Abraham because he believed God’s “word” — His promise! Like the campfire song “God said it, I believe, and that’s good enough for me!”

“God sent His Son into the world to pay for the price of sin. When the Son had finished the work He was given to do, He returned to His home and sat down with the Father. When we believe God, His Son’s sacrifice, we enter into His rest and cease from our own works as He ceased from His.” (Excerpt from Romans – pg. 114. C. R. Stam)

All the hail Mary passes; after whistle blown field goals; or, kicks add not one additional tally on the scoreboard. No bragging rites! Game over!

Abraham was to believe God concerning his progeny – - but now, what is it God wants us to believe? How are we justified in the eyes of God? Although our Roman’s study hasn’t reached the 15th chapter, we’re given a hint in vs. 4 “For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” It would seem that Abraham’s situation was not written for his sake alone. Paul tells it’s just as pertinent today as is was in Old Testament times.

Romans 4:23 “Now it was not written for his sake alone, that it was imputed to him; 24 But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead; 25 Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification.”

We are told we must believe in the resurrection of Christ to be justified and not just believe on His death on the cross for sins in verse 25. Why? Look at Romans 5:9 “Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

It is important for us to believe His death is a sufficient and finished work. If Christ were not able — who is?
Romans 4:25 affirms that we are to believe Christ death made full satisfaction for our sins, and His resurrection proved that full satisfaction had been made. Justification before God was not obtained by the performance of any religious rite, not by observance of the Law, but by faith alone in the One who died for our sins and rose again.

Now we can take comfort in Romans 5:1 Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: