Romans 4:2-5
2. For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God—"If works were the ground of Abraham's justification, he would have matter for boasting; but as it is perfectly certain that he hath none in the sight of God, it follows that Abraham could not have been justified by works." And to this agree the words of Scripture.
3. For what saith the, Scripture? Abraham believed God, and it—his faith.
was counted to him for righteousness— (Ge 15:6). Romish expositors and Arminian Protestants make this to mean that God accepted Abraham's act of believing as a substitute for complete obedience. But this is at variance with the whole spirit and letter of the apostle's teaching. Throughout this whole argument, faith is set in direct opposition to works, in the matter of justification—and even in Ro 4:4, 5. The meaning, therefore, cannot possibly be that the mere act of believing—which is as much a work as any other piece of commanded duty (Joh 6:29; 1Jo 3:23) —was counted to Abraham for all obedience. The meaning plainly is that Abraham believed in the promises which embraced Christ (Ge 12:3; 15:5, &c.), as we believe in Christ Himself; and in both cases, faith is merely the instrument that puts us in possession of the blessing gratuitously bestowed.4, 5. Now to him that worketh—as a servant for wages.
is the reward not reckoned of grace—as a matter of favor. but of debt—as a matter of right.5. But to him that worketh not—who, despairing of acceptance with God by "working" for it the work of obedience, does not attempt it.
but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly—casts himself upon the mercy of Him that justifieth those who deserve only condemnation. his faith, &c.—(See on Ro 4:3).Second: David sings of the same justification.
Romans 9:31-32
31. But Israel, which followed—"following"
after the law of righteousness, hath not attained—"attained not" unto the law of righteousness—The word "law" is used here, we think, in the same sense as in Ro 7:23, to denote "a principle of action"; that is, "Israel, though sincerely and steadily aiming at acceptance with God, nevertheless missed it."32, 33. Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were—rather simply, "as"
by the works of the law—as if it were thus attainable, which justification is not: Since, therefore, it is attainable only by faith, they missed it. for—it is doubtful if this particle was originally in the text. they stumbled at that stumbling-stone—better, "against the stone of stumbling," meaning Christ. But in this they only did.Romans 10:3-4
3. For they being ignorant of God's righteousness—that is, for the justification of the guilty (see on Ro 1:17).
and going about—"seeking" to establish their own righteousness, have not submitted themselves to the righteousness of God—The apostle views the general rejection of Christ by the nation as one act.4. For Christ is the end—the object or aim.
of the law for—justifying righteousness to every one that believeth—that is, contains within Himself all that the law demands for the justification of such as embrace Him, whether Jew or Gentile (Ga 3:24).