Romans 4:1-12 ~ Boasting Bars Blessing + PDF Teacher's Notes

If Abraham had been justified by works he would have had bragging rights. It would be a big accomplishment to work one’s way into heaven by one’s own goodness.

Paul wanted to make it clear to his readers that from God’s perspective Abraham did not have any ground for boasting.

Genesis, the very first book of the Old Testament, states that Abraham was declared righteous due to his faith (not his works, 15:6). The doctrine of justification by faith was not new; it is as old as Genesis
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God justifies the ungodly by faith. If righteousness could be earned by good works then we would not be wicked. Paul is here suggesting even Abraham, hero of Judaism, was ungodly in and of himself.

The one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works, whose lawless deeds are forgiven, whose sins will not count against him, is truly blessed.