Romans 4:6

Euen as Dauid also describeth the blessednesse of the man, vnto whom God imputeth righteousnesse without works: Romans 4:6 (KJV)

To fully understand Romans 4:6, it is essential to consider its context within the book of Romans. The letter to the Romans, written by the Apostle Paul, is a theological treatise that addresses the righteousness of God, salvation, and the relationship between Jews and Gentiles. In Romans 4 Paul focuses on the example of Abraham and the principle of justification by faith.

In Romans 4:6 Paul quotes King David’s words from Psalm 32:1, describing the blessedness of a person whose sins are forgiven and to whom God imputes righteousness without works. David, like Abraham, understood that a person’s righteousness comes from God’s grace and not through personal achievement or merit.

The central theme of the passage is justification by faith. Paul emphasizes that a person is declared righteous before God not because of good deeds or observance of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is imputed or credited to believers by God’s grace alone.

The key phrase “God imputeth righteousness” means that God credits righteousness to believers through their faith in Christ. It is not based on their own righteousness but on the righteousness of Christ that is attributed to them.

Another important aspect is that this righteousness is granted without works. No amount of human effort or good deeds can earn or merit God’s righteousness; it is received as a gift. This highlights the grace of God, who freely justifies sinners solely on the basis of their faith in Jesus Christ.

David’s description of the blessedness refers to the joy, peace, and security that come from being in a right relationship with God. It is the assurance of salvation and the confident hope of eternal life that believers have through their faith in Christ.