Works not of Grace but Debt Romans 4:4

Paul the apostle told the Jews in Rome,“For if Abraham were justified by works, he has whereof to glory; but not before God.”, and he added, “for what says the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.” In chapter four and verse four of Romans, Paul declares “to him that works...not...of grace, but of debt” where we read:

Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.

The verse begins, “Now to him that works is the reward not reckoned of grace, ...” Paul began with the word, “now” which means “at this present moment in time” “to him” or “to the human being whether male or female” “that works” or “who labors, performs, commits, causes to exist and produces” “is the reward” or “are the dues paid for work, hire and fruit naturally resulting from toils and endeavors” “not reckoned” which means “not counted, calculated, made account of or imputed” “of grace” which refers to “that which affords joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness, grace of speech and unmerited favor”. Paul shared how those who “work” do not have their “earnings or pay” from the “unmerited favor” of God.

The verse goes on to say, “... but of debt”. Paul added the word, “but” which is a disassociation conjunction that means what is about to be written takes precedence over that which was just stated “of debt” which means “of that which is owed, justly or legally due”. Rather than being by “faith” and through God's freely given “grace”, “works” done generally “require” “that which is owed or legally due”.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see how “works” have a corresponding “debt” attached to them. In other words, after “work” is done, remuneration is expected and “due”. God's “grace” is “unmerited”, cannot be “earned” and is never brought on by “debt” or “owing someone”. Jesus Christ came to “die” and pay the “debt” for the sins of the world, and now everyone who receives Him as “Savior and Lord” no longer have need to “work” to earn “salvation”, but rather “receive” God's gift. May all who read these words know the certainty of the “grace” of God which is offered to everyone who will simply “believe and trust” in His Son Jesus.

Next time Paul declares,“to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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