Romans 4:13 – “It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.”

Extended Explanation

Paul continues his argument about how Abraham was made right with God. In this verse, he makes it clear that God’s promise to Abraham was not based on the law or obedience to religious rules, but on faith.

God had promised Abraham that he would become the father of many nations and that through him, all people on earth would be blessed (Genesis 12:1-3, Genesis 15:5-6). This promise wasn’t given because Abraham obeyed the law—the law didn’t even exist yet! It came hundreds of years later with Moses.

Instead, Abraham was declared righteous because of his faith in God’s promise (Genesis 15:6). That means that the promise was based on faith, not on human effort. Paul is saying that just as Abraham was justified by faith, so is everyone who believes in God today.

Historical Context

Paul’s audience included both Jews and Gentiles. Many Jews believed that following the Law of Moses was what made a person right with God. But Paul argues that even Abraham—their founding father—was not justified by the law, but by faith.

This was a radical statement. The Jews took great pride in the law, believing that their obedience to it set them apart as God’s people. But Paul is reminding them that Abraham was made right with God long before the law was given.

By saying that Abraham was justified by faith, Paul is proving that salvation has never been based on human effort or religious law. It has always been based on faith in God’s promise.

This also opens the door for Gentiles (non-Jews) to be included in God’s family. If righteousness comes through faith and not through the law, then both Jews and Gentiles can receive it the same way—by believing in God’s promise.

Theological Implications

This verse teaches several key biblical truths:

• Righteousness is not earned through the law. Obeying religious rules does not make a person right with God—faith does.
• God’s promise is based on faith, not works. Abraham didn’t earn God’s favor—he received it as a gift by believing.
• The law is not the basis of salvation. If the law had been necessary for salvation, Abraham could not have been justified before it was given.
• Faith in God’s promise brings righteousness. This applies to everyone, not just to the Jewish people.

Paul is shifting the focus from human effort to God’s grace, proving that salvation has always been about trusting in God, not about following rules.

Literary Analysis

Paul uses contrasts in this verse to make his point:

• “Not through the law… but through the righteousness that comes by faith.” He contrasts law and faith, showing that they are completely different ways of relating to God.
• “Heir of the world” – This phrase points to the expansion of God’s promise. Originally, Abraham was promised land and descendants, but through Christ, the promise extends to all nations.

Paul’s writing is very logical. He builds his argument step by step, proving that faith—not law—is the key to being right with God.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.” (The foundation of Paul’s argument.)
• Genesis 12:1-3 – The original promise to Abraham that he would be a blessing to all nations.
• Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
• Galatians 3:18 – “For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise; but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.”
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not something we earn—it is something we receive by faith.

Many people today still believe that they must “be good enough” for God to accept them. They think that by following religious rules, doing good deeds, or living a moral life, they can earn their way into heaven. But Paul makes it clear:

• Righteousness is not about rule-keeping—it’s about trusting in God.
• Salvation is a gift, not a paycheck. We don’t earn it through our own goodness.
• Faith is what matters. Just as Abraham believed God and was declared righteous, we too must believe in God’s promises.

For modern believers, this means we can stop trying to “earn” our way to God and simply trust in what Jesus has done for us. It also means that salvation is open to everyone, regardless of background or past mistakes.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse shows that God’s love is based on grace, not performance.

• God does not require us to be perfect—He asks us to trust Him.
• His promises are not based on human effort, but on His faithfulness.
• He makes salvation available to all, not just to those who follow religious rules.

God’s love is seen in the fact that He made salvation simple: just believe. He did not create a system of impossible rules—He created a way for all people to come to Him through faith.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham.

• Abraham was promised that his offspring would bless the world—Jesus is that blessing. (Galatians 3:16)
• Jesus fulfilled the righteousness that we could never achieve through the law. (Romans 8:3-4)
• Through Jesus, the promise extends beyond Israel to all nations. (Matthew 28:19)
• Just as Abraham was justified by faith in God’s promise, we are justified by faith in Jesus. (Romans 5:1)

Jesus is the reason we no longer have to strive to follow the law to be made right with God. Instead, we receive His righteousness by faith, just as Abraham did.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important that Abraham was justified before the law was given?
2. How does this verse challenge the idea that we can earn our salvation?
3. What are some ways people today try to achieve righteousness through their own efforts?
4. How does knowing that salvation is based on faith give you peace and confidence in your relationship with God?
5. How does this verse shape the way we share the gospel with others?

Romans 4:13 is a powerful declaration that righteousness has always been based on faith, not on human effort. Abraham was justified because he trusted in God’s promise—not because he followed religious laws. This same promise is available to us today through Jesus Christ. Our job is not to earn righteousness but to believe and receive it by faith.