Romans 4:5

But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.

Romans 4:5 (KJV)

Context

Paul writes to the Roman church to explain how sinners are made right with God. In Romans 1–3 he shows that all people, Jews and Gentiles alike, are under sin and cannot be justified by their own works or by keeping the law. Romans 4:5 is the climax of that argument: justification is received as a gift through faith, not earned by effort.

Meaning

The verse contrasts two kinds of people. The one who works seeks to earn a reward from God as a debt; the one who does not work does not rely on his own conformity to the law or demand anything from God as though it were justly due. This does not mean the believer is idle or without good works; rather, he does not work from the principle of earning salvation. Instead, he trusts in God as the one who justifies the ungodly.

This phrase is central: God declares righteous those who, in themselves, are ungodly and have no righteousness of their own. In justification, God has no regard to any godliness or goodness in the person; immediately before this act, He beholds the person only as an ungodly creature. The person is justified as ungodly, not because of any works of morality or godliness.

The Greek word for “counted” (λογίζεται) is a legal or accounting term, meaning to reckon or impute something to a person’s account. Faith is counted for righteousness; that is, God of His sovereign grace regards the one who has no righteousness as righteous. This is a gracious imputation, not a payment of debt.

Biblical connections

Paul grounds this teaching in Abraham’s example: Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6, cited in Romans 4:3). The same principle runs through Romans 1–3, where all are under sin and need God’s righteousness, which is received as a gift through faith in Jesus Christ.

Application

Romans 4:5 reminds believers that salvation and justification are not based on their own efforts but on faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot earn our way into God’s favour; we receive His righteousness as a gift through faith. This truth brings joy and freedom, knowing that we are accepted by God solely because of our faith in Him.

Reflection

God justifies the ungodly. This is the heart of the gospel: while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Our faith is not a work but a trusting response to the One who declares the ungodly righteous. Such grace calls us to humility, gratitude, and a life that reflects the love we have received.