Abraham was saved by faith alone — he believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness (faith plus nothing).
Les Feldick teaches from Romans 4 that Abraham was justified by faith, not by works. God promised, Abraham believed, and God accounted that faith as righteousness. No sacrifices, circumcision, law-keeping, or other works were added to his salvation.
Genesis 15:6 — This is the foundational verse where Abraham believes God and it is counted to him for righteousness.
Romans 4:2-3 — Paul uses these verses to prove that Abraham's justification was by faith, not by works.
Scripture records Abraham's salvation in Genesis 15:6 (KJV): "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." In Romans 4:2–3, Paul asks, "For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God. For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." The text does not add any requirement to Abraham's faith — no sacrifice, no ritual, no law. The only action Scripture describes is believing, and that faith is what God counted as righteousness.
Les Feldick's answer is unambiguous: Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing. He repeatedly points out that all the references to Abraham's saving faith show that Abraham "believed" — nothing was added. Paul made Abraham the example in Romans 4 precisely to prove that justification comes by faith, not by works. Les connects this to believers today: in this age of grace we are brought into a relationship with God the same way Abraham was — by faith and faith alone. He also carefully distinguishes Abraham's faith from the general Old Testament economy, where faith was accompanied by sacrifices and temple worship. Abraham, however, did no such thing; his faith was the entire issue. Finally, Les clarifies that sharing Abraham's faith does not make a Gentile a Jew — the connection is spiritual, not physical.
Yes. Les teaches that Abraham did not have to add works to his faith. He says all references to Abraham's saving faith show that he simply believed, plus nothing. Unlike others in the Old Testament economy, Abraham did not bring a sacrifice as part of his salvation. Paul's point in Romans 4 is that if Abraham were justified by works, he could boast — but he could not boast before God.
Les says the connection is spiritual: believers in this age of grace are brought into a relationship with God the same way Abraham was, by faith and faith alone. This does not mean a Gentile becomes a Jew. A Jew remains a Jew and a Gentile remains a Gentile. The link is that faith plus nothing began with Abraham, and we share that same principle of salvation.
Les contrasts Abraham with those who came after him. He teaches that in the Old Testament, people were saved by faith plus works — bringing sacrifices and worshiping at the temple, though their faith was first. Abraham is the exception and the starting point of faith plus nothing. That is why Paul uses him as the example of justification by faith.
What's the Difference Between Believing God and Believing in God?
Les Feldick. An Oklahoma rancher and farmer, Les Feldick has been teaching homestyle Bible classes for 20 years in Iowa, Oklahoma, and Texas. Les Feldick's unique style of Bible teaching has made the books of the Bible come to life. When Les is teaching, it's so interesting that people say time just seems to fly by. And now, here is Les Feldick.
Faith Plus Nothing
Les explicitly states that Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing, unlike those in between who were saved by faith plus works. This is the central answer to the question.
Abraham Believed Plus Nothing
Les emphasizes that Abraham did not follow his faith with required works; all references to Abraham's saving faith show he believed, plus nothing.
A Spiritual Connection Only
Les explains that believers share Abraham's principle of salvation by faith plus nothing, but no Gentile physically becomes a Jew at salvation.
Old Testament Faith Plus Works Contrast
Les distinguishes Abraham's faith-plus-nothing salvation from the general Old Testament economy of faith plus sacrifices and works.
Romans 4: Saved by Faith, Not Works
Les cites Romans 4 to show that Abraham was not saved by works but by faith, believing God and being accounted as righteous.
No Boasting Before God
Les uses Romans 4 to show that Abraham could not boast in works; justification before God excludes working for salvation.
Justification by Faith: What Does It Really Mean?
Now that's faith, and you can't add anything to it, and we're going to see that now in these next few moments. All right, read it again. You are not under the law, but under grace. Now if you'll come back with me, we'll try to stay in Romans at least for a little bit, come back with me to Romans chapter 3.
Genesis 15:6: And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
This verse records the moment Abraham believed God and was counted righteous.
Romans 4:2: For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Paul argues that if Abraham's salvation came by works, he would have something to boast about — but not before God.
Romans 4:3: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 as proof that Abraham was justified by faith, not works.
Abraham was saved by faith plus nothing. Les Feldick points out that every reference to Abraham's saving faith shows he believed and nothing was added. He didn't bring sacrifices, keep the law, or perform works as part of salvation.
No. Les says Abraham did no such thing — all references to his saving faith show that he simply believed, plus nothing. Paul uses Abraham in Romans 4 to show that justification is by faith, not by works.
Spiritually, yes, we share Abraham's principle of faith plus nothing. But physically, no — a Gentile remains a Gentile and does not become a Jew at salvation.
Watch the Teaching: What's the Difference Between Believing God and Believing in God?