How does Paul explain justification in Romans chapter 4?
Paul explains justification by faith, using Abraham as the example: Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. This follows the argument from Romans 3 that all have sinned and come short of God's glory.
Les explains that in Romans chapter 4, Paul begins to lay out justification by faith, pointing to Abraham as the example: Abraham believed God, and it was accounted unto him for righteousness. This builds on the previous three chapters where God proved the whole race utterly sinful, concluding in Romans 3:23 that all have sinned and come short of God's glory. Les then connects this to Romans 5:1, where being justified by faith we have peace with God, and to Romans 6, where justification was accomplished when Christ died on the cross, was buried, and rose again. He contrasts this with Romans 7, where Paul explains the dilemma and cries, 'Oh wretched man that I am!'
For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.