Romans 4:24 – “But also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”

Extended Explanation

Paul has been talking about Abraham’s faith and how God counted it as righteousness. Now, he makes it clear that this principle of faith is not just for Abraham—it applies to us too.

The phrase “but also for us” means that Abraham’s story is not just history—it is an example of how God works in every generation. Just as God credited righteousness to Abraham because of his faith, He does the same for us when we believe.

Paul then explains what kind of faith leads to righteousness: faith in God, who raised Jesus from the dead.

This verse tells us that righteousness is still credited by faith today—but now that faith is centered on Jesus Christ and His resurrection.

Historical Context

Paul was writing to a mixed audience of both Jews and Gentiles in Rome. Many Jewish believers still thought that righteousness came through following the Law of Moses. Paul has spent this chapter proving that Abraham was declared righteous before the law even existed—meaning that faith, not law-keeping, is what makes a person right with God.

This would have been a radical idea to Jewish readers. They had always viewed Abraham as their father, but Paul was saying that everyone who has faith—Jew or Gentile—is a spiritual child of Abraham and receives righteousness the same way.

For the Gentile believers, this verse was good news. It meant they didn’t have to follow Jewish traditions to be accepted by God. Faith in Jesus was enough.

Paul is making the case that Abraham’s faith was a preview of Christian faith—believing in God’s power to do the impossible. Abraham believed God could give life to Sarah’s barren womb; we believe God gave life to Jesus after death.

Theological Implications

This verse contains several key truths about faith and salvation:

• Righteousness is credited to all who believe. Just as Abraham was counted righteous by faith, so are we—not by our works, but by trusting in God.
• Faith in Jesus Christ is necessary for salvation. Abraham believed in God’s promise of a future son (Isaac). We believe in God’s ultimate Son, Jesus Christ.
• The resurrection of Jesus is central to our faith. Paul says that righteousness comes to those who believe that God raised Jesus from the dead. This shows that Christian faith is rooted in the resurrection.
• Faith is more than belief in God—it is belief in what He has done through Jesus. Paul specifies that we must trust in the God who raised Jesus from the dead.

This verse connects Abraham’s faith in God’s promise with our faith in the finished work of Jesus Christ.

Literary Analysis

Paul structures this verse to draw a direct connection between Abraham and us:

• “But also for us” – This shifts the focus from Abraham’s past faith to our present faith.
• “To whom God will credit righteousness” – This uses the same wording as in Genesis 15:6, showing that the same process applies to us today.
• “For us who believe” – This makes faith personal. Paul is saying that anyone who believes can receive righteousness.
• “In him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead” – This is the foundation of Christian faith: believing in the God who raised Jesus.

Paul is making a clear and direct connection: The faith that saved Abraham is the same faith that saves us—but now, our faith is centered on Jesus.

Relevant Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 15:6 – “Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.”
• Romans 10:9 – “If you declare with your mouth, ‘Jesus is Lord,’ and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”
• Galatians 3:7 – “Understand, then, that those who have faith are children of Abraham.”
• 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.”
• 1 Corinthians 15:17 – “And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins.”

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

This verse is a powerful reminder that salvation is not based on human effort, but on faith in Jesus.

For today’s believer, this means:

• Salvation is a free gift, received by faith. We don’t have to work to earn God’s favor—He credits righteousness to us when we believe.
• Faith must be centered on Jesus. It’s not enough to believe in God in a general way—we must believe in His work through Jesus Christ.
• The resurrection is essential. Our faith is not just in Jesus’ teachings or example, but in His death and resurrection, which secured our salvation.
• The Bible’s promises apply to us today. Just as Abraham’s faith counted for righteousness, our faith in Jesus counts the same way.

This verse should give peace and assurance to all who trust in Jesus. We don’t have to earn righteousness—it is credited to us by faith.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

This verse highlights God’s love and grace:

• God provides righteousness as a gift. He does not demand perfection—He credits righteousness to those who believe.
• God invites all people to be saved. This verse shows that righteousness is not limited to one group—it is available to all who have faith in Jesus.
• God’s power is greater than death. The same God who raised Jesus can give new life to us and fulfill His promises.

This verse shows that God’s love is freely given to all who trust in Him.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse directly connects our faith to Jesus’ resurrection:

• Abraham believed in God’s promise of life; we believe in Jesus, the source of eternal life. (John 11:25)
• Faith in Jesus’ resurrection is the key to salvation. (Romans 10:9)
• Jesus fulfilled the righteousness Abraham received by faith. (2 Corinthians 5:21)
• The resurrection proves that Jesus is Lord. (Romans 1:4)

Our faith is not just in who Jesus is, but in what He did—dying for our sins and rising again.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. Why is it important to understand that righteousness comes through faith, not works?
2. How does Abraham’s example of faith encourage you in your own walk with God?
3. Why does Paul emphasize believing in God’s power to raise Jesus from the dead?
4. How does this verse challenge or strengthen your understanding of salvation?
5. In what ways does this verse give you confidence in your relationship with God?

Romans 4:24 is a powerful reminder that salvation is by faith alone. Just as Abraham was made right with God by believing in His promise, we are made right with God by believing in Jesus Christ. Faith in His death and resurrection is what brings us into a right relationship with God—not our own efforts, but His amazing grace.