Yes, Abraham's faith teaches that righteousness comes by believing God, not by works.
Abraham was declared righteous simply because he believed God, not because of any works or religious activity. His faith was counted as righteousness, and this same principle applies to us today: we are brought into right relationship with God by faith alone, not by anything we do.
Genesis 15:6 — This is the foundational verse where Abraham's belief is counted as righteousness.
Romans 4:3 — Paul quotes Genesis 15:6 to explain that justification is by faith, not works.
In Genesis 15:6, after God promises Abraham countless descendants, the Scripture states: "And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness." This verse is foundational, showing that Abraham's faith was the basis for his justification. The apostle Paul, in Romans 4:3, quotes this very verse: "For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." Paul explains further in Romans 4:5 that "to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness." Thus, Scripture clearly indicates that Abraham's righteousness came through faith, not through works.
Les emphasizes that Abraham's faith was simple belief in what God said, with no works added. He notes that Abraham was not saved by offering sacrifices or circumcision, but by believing God's promise. This same principle applies to us: we are justified by faith alone, not by any human effort. Les stresses that believing God is different from merely believing in God; it involves trusting His word and acting on it. Abraham's example shows that God accounts our faith as righteousness, and nothing more is required.
Abraham was not justified by works because he did nothing to earn righteousness. Les points out that Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness before he performed any works, such as leaving Ur or being circumcised. The Scripture says Abraham believed God, and that belief was credited to him. There is no room for boasting in works, as Paul states in Romans 4:2.
Les teaches that believing God means trusting what He says, while believing in God merely acknowledges His existence. Abraham believed God's specific promise, and that was enough for righteousness. This distinction is crucial for us today: we must trust God's word, not just acknowledge Him.
Les explains that we are brought into a relationship with God the same way Abraham was: by faith alone, being obedient to what God said. There is no physical connection to Abraham, but the spiritual connection is through faith. We, too, are justified by believing the gospel, and God counts our faith as righteousness.
Abraham Believed God — Romans 4 & Justification by Faith
a man on a face to face basis more than once, and of course it's evident in Genesis 18. So here again, I think the Lord is there in human form, standing with Abraham on those mountains of central Israel, and they're looking out all four directions, and now look what He says. Verse 5 of Genesis 15, and He brought him forth abroad and said, "...
Faith Plus Nothing
Les explains that Abraham's faith was the only basis for righteousness, with no works involved, and that God looks for our faith like Abraham's.
What Happens to the 144,000 Jews in the Tribulation?
The Bible is talking about a concerted faith and trust in that very act of God, that God Himself paid the penalty for all our sin. And I've told my classes so many times, I like to put it this way, if you or I had been the only person living, Christ would have still gone to the cross to purchase our redemption.
Why God Imputes Righteousness Without Works — Romans 4
But we just try to teach the book and help you to understand when you read. All right, let's get right back where we left off, and that would be in Romans 4, verse 5. And we're talking now about Abraham, of course, who was steeped in idolatry as a young man in the city of Ur, and whereupon God reached down in grace and told him to leave the city, leave his family, and go to a place that He would s…
Believing God vs. Works
Les points out that Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness before any works like sacrifices or circumcision, emphasizing that belief itself was enough.
Believing Counted as Righteousness
Les explains that Abraham's believing was counted as righteousness, and he did nothing but believe, yet was justified.
Faith Plus Nothing
Les underscores that Abraham didn't earn righteousness; he believed God, and that was credited as righteousness—faith plus nothing.
Connection by Faith
Les shows that we are connected to Abraham by faith alone, just as he was brought into relationship with God by faith, not by works.
Genesis 15:6: And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.
This is the key verse where Abraham's faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 4:3: For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness.
Paul quotes Genesis to prove justification by faith.
Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
Paul contrasts works with faith, showing that faith alone justifies.
Romans 4:2: For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
Paul states that Abraham had no grounds for boasting if justification were by works.
The main lesson is that righteousness comes by believing God, not by works. Abraham's faith was counted as righteousness, and we are justified the same way—by faith alone.
No, Abraham did nothing to earn righteousness. He simply believed God's promise, and that was credited to him as righteousness.
Abraham's faith is relevant because we, too, are brought into a relationship with God by faith alone. We connect to Abraham spiritually through faith, not by physical descent.
Watch the Teaching: Abraham Believed God — Romans 4 & Justification by Faith