We sometimes have a hard time comprehending what Paul is trying to teach in his writings. We have evolved into a microwave mentality; expecting solutions to problems immediately. When an answer to a problem doesn’t pop right out, we get impatient and typically walk away. Of course, a better way when studying Scripture, is to slow down and carefully analyze what is there, allowing the Holy Spirit time to guide us in the truth.

Such an opportunity is afforded us in the opening chapters of Romans. Paul writes in…

Romans 4:4 Now to him that worketh is the reward not reckoned of grace, but of debt.
5 But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

The discussion here is concerning the debate between a works salvation or a faith only salvation. Paul gives an illustration of a person working towards a goal. When the goal is reached, and the reward for reaching that goal is handed out, the recipient can glory in his accomplishment. His works led to the award at the end.

Think of the simple example of a person going to work. A teenager begins work at a McDonalds. He begins his career there by frying French fries all day. If he is paid bi-weekly, he can expect for his labors an agreed upon paycheck after two weeks of dumping frozen potatoes into a hot fryer. His paycheck reflects the work he put in.

In essence, his labors as a fry ‘specialist,’ created a debt to be paid in the form of a paycheck. It is the typical means by which society provides for its needs. Work is repaid with some form of remuneration.

When it comes to our sins, and the debt that we have incurred before God, that formula is not accurate. Our sins created such an offense before God, there is no possible way that we can pay God to suffice the debt.

When man first sinned in the Garden, he was immediately condemned to death, for there is no unrighteousness with God. No matter how hard Adam and Eve tried, they could never pay for their sin; their spirits had died, and their best intentions could not revive them.

Thanks be to God, He loved man so much He set in motion a plan of redemption even in the Garden. He prophesied that one day, Satan would be destroyed and the Seed of the woman would prevail. Paul in our text taught us that our sin debt cannot be paid by our works, but by believing on ‘Him that justifieth the ungodly.’ That is Jesus Christ.

By simply believing on Jesus to both forgive our sins, and save us, our faith is counted for righteousness. It is a truth that is so incomprehensible, it defies all reason. However, it is the only means whereby sinful man can be saved.

Praise God for His free gift of salvation!!