How does Paul say an ungodly person is counted righteous?
Paul writes that righteousness is counted to the one who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly; that faith is counted for righteousness. So the ungodly person is counted righteous by believing, not by working. This is the righteousness that comes by faith.
Les explains that Paul is writing to the one who does not work but believes on Him who justifies the ungodly, and that person's faith is counted for righteousness [s420-s423]. He connects this to Romans 5:8, where God commends His love toward us in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us [s426-s428]. Les points out that even the twelve did not understand Christ's coming death and resurrection while He was with them; it was hidden from them [s430-s447]. But Paul can speak after the fact, declaring that Christ died for our sin and was risen for our justification, and we receive all this by simply believing it [s458-s464]. So an ungodly person is counted righteous by faith, not works, because God justifies the ungodly through Christ's death and resurrection.
But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
More Questions
How does a person who does not work get counted as righteous in Paul's teaching?
According to Paul, a person who does not work but simply believes on God who justifies the ungodly has that faith counted as righteousness.
What kind of people does God justify?
God justifies the ungodly, and the person who does not work but believes has his faith counted as righteousness.
According to Romans 4:5, who does God justify?
Romans 4:5 says God justifies the person who does not work but believes on Him who justifies ungodly people.
How is a person counted righteous without works in Romans 4:5?
A person who does not work but believes on God, who justifies the ungodly, has that believing counted as righteousness.