Faith Over Works: God’s Righteousness Revealed Through Belief
- Be God's Glory
- Nov 17
- 12 min read
Welcome to Day 320 of The Glory Team Bible Reading Plan.
In the opening chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans, the apostle lays a powerful theological foundation that reveals humanity’s universal need for salvation and God’s provision of righteousness through faith. Paul begins by declaring that the gospel is the power of God for salvation to all who believe, exposing the sinfulness of both Gentiles and Jews alike. He explains that no one is righteous by their own works or adherence to the law—everyone stands guilty before God. Yet, through Jesus Christ, righteousness is made available as a gift to all who believe. These chapters emphasize that justification comes not through works or religious background, but through faith alone. Paul uses the example of Abraham to demonstrate that this principle of faith-based righteousness has always been God’s way of reconciling humanity to Himself.
Romans 1
Paul opens his letter by identifying himself as a servant of Christ, set apart for the gospel of God—a message promised through the prophets and fulfilled in Jesus Christ. He expresses his desire to visit the believers in Rome to strengthen their faith and share in mutual encouragement. Paul then powerfully declares that the gospel is “the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes,” revealing God’s righteousness that comes by faith. However, he quickly shifts to expose the reality of humanity’s sinfulness, showing how people have rejected God’s truth and exchanged it for lies, worshiping created things instead of the Creator. Because of their rebellion, God “gave them over” to their sinful desires, resulting in moral decay and spiritual blindness. This chapter emphasizes that God’s wrath is revealed against all ungodliness, and no one is without excuse for rejecting His revelation through creation and conscience.
Romans 2
In Romans 2, Paul turns his focus toward the Jews, confronting their tendency to judge others while committing the same sins. He reveals that God’s judgment is impartial—He judges all people based on truth, not religious background or ethnicity. The Jews, who possessed the law, were not exempt from God’s judgment, for merely knowing the law is not enough; it must be obeyed. Paul explains that true righteousness is not about outward religious identity but inward transformation. He declares that a real Jew is one who is circumcised in heart, by the Spirit, not by the letter of the law. This chapter challenges the hypocrisy of self-righteousness and calls believers to authentic obedience that flows from a heart aligned with God’s will.
Romans 3
Romans 3 brings all humanity—Jew and Gentile alike—under the same verdict: all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Paul dismantles any notion of superiority, declaring that no one is righteous, not even one, and that the law’s purpose is to make people conscious of their sin, not to justify them. Yet in the midst of this dark reality, Paul introduces the good news: God’s righteousness is revealed apart from the law, through faith in Jesus Christ. Through Christ’s sacrificial death, God demonstrated His justice and mercy, forgiving sins while upholding His holiness. Salvation, therefore, is a gift of grace that cannot be earned by works but received through faith. This chapter marks the turning point from human failure to divine redemption, highlighting justification by faith as the heart of the gospel.
Romans 4
In Romans 4, Paul uses Abraham as the supreme example of justification by faith. Long before the law was given or circumcision instituted, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. Paul emphasizes that this faith—not works or religious rituals—made Abraham righteous before God, showing that salvation has always been based on belief, not human effort. David’s words are also cited to affirm that blessedness comes from God forgiving sins and not counting them against the believer. Paul explains that this promise extends beyond Abraham’s descendants to all who share his faith, Jew or Gentile alike. The chapter concludes by connecting Abraham’s faith to believers today, affirming that righteousness is credited to all who believe in Him who raised Jesus from the dead—the One who was delivered for our sins and raised for our justification.
Origin & Meaning of the Name:
The title “Romans” comes from its intended audience—the believers in the city of Rome, the capital of the Roman Empire. The Greek title, Pros Rōmaious (Πρὸς Ῥωμαίους), translates to “To the Romans.” These were primarily Gentile Christians, though the congregation also included Jewish believers who had returned to Rome after being expelled by Emperor Claudius (Acts 18:2). The book’s name reflects the early church’s expansion beyond Jerusalem and Judea into the very heart of the Gentile world—Rome, the center of global influence and power at the time.
Purpose of the Book:
Paul’s purpose in writing Romans was to present a comprehensive explanation of the gospel—God’s plan of salvation for both Jews and Gentiles through faith in Jesus Christ. It serves as a doctrinal cornerstone for Christian theology, explaining concepts such as justification by faith, sanctification, righteousness, grace, and God’s sovereignty.
Paul wrote this letter to:
Strengthen the Roman believers in their faith and unity (Romans 1:11–12).
Clarify the gospel message, emphasizing that salvation is through faith, not works of the law (Romans 3:28).
Prepare the way for his future visit to Rome and his missionary journey to Spain (Romans 1:10–13; 15:23–24).
Address tension between Jewish and Gentile believers regarding the role of the Law and grace (Romans 2–4, 9–11).
Essentially, Romans is Paul’s systematic presentation of the gospel, showing how God justifies the sinner and transforms lives through faith in Christ alone.
Authorship & Sources Supporting the Author:
The Book of Romans was written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, likely from Corinth during his third missionary journey (Acts 20:2–3). Paul dictated the letter to a scribe named Tertius, who mentions himself in Romans 16:22:
“I, Tertius, who wrote down this letter, greet you in the Lord.”
Internal Biblical Evidence:
Romans 1:1 – Paul identifies himself as “a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.”
Romans 15:15–16 – Paul refers to his ministry to the Gentiles, consistent with his calling described in Acts 9:15.
2 Peter 3:15–16 – Peter refers to Paul’s letters as authoritative Scripture, further validating Paul’s authorship.
Acts 20:2–3 – Correlates with the timeframe when Paul was in Greece, writing to the Roman church.
External Historical Evidence:
Early Christian writers confirm Paul as the author:
Clement of Rome (c. A.D. 96) refers to Paul’s writings to the Romans in his letter to the Corinthians.
Irenaeus (c. A.D. 180) quotes Romans extensively in Against Heresies, attributing it to Paul.
Tertullian (c. A.D. 200) and Origen (c. A.D. 250) both affirm Pauline authorship in their theological works.These early sources align with church tradition, which has consistently recognized Paul as the undisputed author.
Key People:
Paul – The author and apostle to the Gentiles who wrote the letter.
Phoebe – The servant (deaconess) of the church in Cenchreae who delivered the letter to Rome (Romans 16:1–2).
Priscilla and Aquila – Ministry partners of Paul, known for their faith and service (Romans 16:3–5; Acts 18:2).
Abraham – Central Old Testament figure used as an example of justification by faith (Romans 4).
Adam – Represented humanity’s fall into sin (Romans 5:12–19).
Moses – Symbol of the Law and its purpose in revealing sin (Romans 5:13–14; 7:7).
David – Quoted as an example of God’s forgiveness (Romans 4:6–8).
Tertius – Paul’s scribe who wrote down the letter (Romans 16:22).
Various Roman believers – including names like Andronicus, Junia, Rufus, and others in Romans 16, showing Paul’s deep personal connections in the Roman church.
Conclusion
The Book of Romans stands as one of the most profound and systematic explanations of the Christian faith ever written. Paul skillfully reveals humanity’s universal sinfulness, God’s perfect righteousness, and His redemptive plan through faith in Christ alone. It bridges the Old and New Covenants, showing how God’s promises to Israel extend to all nations through the gospel.
Romans teaches that salvation is by grace through faith, not by works, and that believers are transformed by the renewing of their minds (Romans 12:2). Its theological depth has shaped Christian doctrine for centuries, inspiring reformers like Martin Luther and John Wesley, who both credited Romans with igniting their understanding of true faith and grace.
In essence, Romans is the gospel explained, faith clarified, and righteousness revealed—a divine letter to the world proclaiming that the just shall live by faith (Romans 1:17).
What is God's Name in these Chapters?
In this portion of our journey we want to dive deep into the character of God described in His name. By identifying who God is, we can further relate to Him personally and build a stronger relationship and connection with Our Father.
Names are important. They give significance to places, people, and things. We identify with so much based off what it's name is. This is considerably notable when it comes to the names of God.
"Jehovah" is considered a Latinized version of the Hebrew name "Yahweh" (represented by the consonants YHWH) where the vowels of the Hebrew word "Adonai" (meaning "my Lord") were added to the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) when pronounced by Jewish readers who avoided saying the sacred name directly; essentially, Christian scholars combined the consonants of YHWH with the vowels of Adonai to create the pronunciation "Jehovah" in the Latin alphabet.
Romans 1
In Romans 1, God’s character is revealed as righteous, holy, and just, yet also merciful in offering salvation to all who believe. He reveals His divine nature through creation, making His eternal power and divine essence visible to humanity so that no one is without excuse (Romans 1:20). God’s righteousness is not hidden—it is demonstrated in the gospel, showing His faithfulness to redeem a fallen world. However, His holiness demands justice, and when people reject Him, He allows them to follow their sinful desires, exposing the destructive consequences of turning away from truth. God is both a righteous Judge and a loving Redeemer, calling humanity to repentance and faith.
Romans 1 highlights Elohim, the Creator and Supreme God, whose invisible qualities are clearly seen in the world He made. The lesson is that God reveals Himself through both creation and conscience, inviting us to acknowledge Him as Lord. When people suppress truth and worship idols instead of Elohim, their hearts become darkened. The chapter teaches us to honor God as Creator and to live in reverence, recognizing that true wisdom begins with acknowledging Him as the source of life and truth.
Romans 2
In Romans 2, God’s character is shown as impartial, righteous, and fair in judgment. He judges all people—Jew and Gentile alike—based on truth, not outward appearances or religious labels. God’s justice is balanced with mercy, for His kindness is meant to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4). He is patient and longsuffering, giving everyone the opportunity to turn from sin. His character displays perfect balance: He is both the God of justice and the God of grace, consistent and unwavering in His righteousness.
Although no specific Hebrew names of God are mentioned, His nature reflects El Shaphat, meaning “God the Judge.” The lesson of this chapter teaches that God’s judgment is fair and universal—He shows no favoritism. True faith is not defined by outward acts or heritage but by a heart transformed by the Spirit. The message encourages believers to live sincerely before God, allowing His truth to shape their character, rather than judging others while ignoring their own need for repentance.
Romans 3
Romans 3 reveals God as faithful, just, and merciful. Even when humanity is unfaithful, God remains true to His promises (Romans 3:3–4). His justice demands that sin be punished, but His mercy provides a way of redemption through Jesus Christ. God’s character shines as both righteous and forgiving—He upholds the law’s demands while offering grace to those who believe. This perfect balance demonstrates His holiness and love in harmony, showing that He alone is able to justify sinners without compromising His righteousness.
This chapter reflects the nature of Yahweh Tsidkenu, “The Lord Our Righteousness.” Through faith in Christ, God declares believers righteous, not because of their works but because of His grace. The lesson here is that salvation cannot be earned; it is a divine gift made possible by God’s righteousness. We learn that our dependence must rest fully on Him—trusting in His faithfulness, confessing our sin, and receiving His mercy through faith in Jesus Christ.
Romans 4
Romans 4 reveals God as faithful, promise-keeping, and gracious. He honors faith over works, just as He did with Abraham, who believed God and was credited with righteousness. God’s character demonstrates consistency—He does not change His standards between the Old and New Covenants. He blesses those who trust Him, forgiving sins and crediting righteousness apart from performance. God is relational and trustworthy, fulfilling His promises to all who put their faith in Him.
In this chapter, we see the reflection of El Emunah, meaning “The Faithful God.” Just as He was faithful to Abraham, He remains faithful to all believers who trust in His word. The lesson teaches us that faith is the foundation of righteousness—belief in God’s power and promises brings justification. God calls us to walk in the same faith as Abraham, trusting Him even when the promise seems impossible, knowing that He is faithful to perform what He has spoken.
Christ in Every Book of the Bible
Christ is the theme throughout the Bible. From Genesis to Revelation, God reveals His Son, Jesus Christ.
Christ is the Seed of the woman Genesis 3:14 , He is the Passover Lamb Exodus 12:3, The Atoning Sacrifice Leviticus 17:11, The Smitten Rock Numbers 20:8, 11, The Faithful Prophet Deuteronomy 18:18, Christ is the Captain of the Lord's Host Joshua 5:15, The Divine Deliverer Judges 2:18, The Kinsman Redeemer Ruth 3:12, Christ is the anticipated as the Anointed One,1 Samuel 2:10, The Son of David 2 Samuel 7:14, The Coming King 1 & 2 Kings, Builder of the Temple 1 & 2 Chronicles (1 Chronicles 28:20), Ezra represents Christ as the Restorer of the Nation Ezra 6:14, 15, Nehemiah shows Him as the Restorer of the Temple Nehemiah 6:15, and Esther portrays Him as the Preserver of the Nation Ester 4:14, Christ is seen as the Living Redeemer Job 19:25, The Praise of Israel Psalm 150:6, The Wisdom of God Proverbs 8:22, 23, The Great Teacher Ecclesiastics 12:11, The Fairest of Ten Thousand Song of Solomon 5:10. Christ is the Suffering Servant Isaiah 53:11, The Maker of the New Covenant Jeremiah 31:31, The Man of Sorrows Lamentations 3:28-30, The Glory of God Ezekiel 43:2, The coming Messiah Daniel 9:25, The Lover of the Unfaithful Hosea 3:1, The Hope of Israel Joel 3:16, The Husbandman Amos 9:13, the Savior Obadiah 21, the Resurrected One Jonah 2:10, the Ruler in Israel Micah 5:2, the Avenger Nahum 2:1, the Holy God Habakkuk 1:13, the King of Israel Zephaniah 3:15, the Desire of Nations Haggai 2:7, the Righteous Branch Zechariah 3:8, and the Sun of Righteousness Malachi 4:2.
The King of the Jews Matthew 2:2, the Servant of the Lord Mark 10:45, the Son of Man Luke 19:10, and the Son of God John 1:1. Christ is the Ascended Lord Acts 1:10, the believer's Righteousness Romans 1:17, Sanctification 1 Corinthians 1:30, Sufficiency 2 Corinthians 12:9, and Liberty Galatians 2:4. He is the Exalted Head of the church Ephesians 1:22, the Christian's Joy Philippians 1:26, and the Fullness of Deity Colossians 2:9. In the Thessalonian epistles Christ is the believer's Comfort 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 17 and Glory 2 Thessalonians 1:12. The Christian's Preserver 1 Timothy 4:10, Rewarder 2 Timothy 4:8, Blessed Hope Titus 2:13, and Substitute Philemon 17. He is the High Priest Hebrews 4:15, the Giver of Wisdom James 1:5, the Rock 1 Peter 2:6, and Precious Promise 2 Peter 1:4. John represents Christ as the Life 1 John, the Truth 2 John, and the Way 3 John, Jude portrays Christ as the Advocate and Revelation shows Him as King of Kings and Lord of Lords Revelation 19:16. The whole Bible is literally all about Christ!
Questions:
Let's expand how these chapters expanded your faith and your relationship with God.
Questions About God's Character: What do these chapters reveal about God’s faithfulness to His word and promises?
How does Romans 1 reveal both God’s righteousness and His wrath, and what does this show us about His holiness?
In what ways does God’s impartial judgment in Romans 2 reflect His fairness and integrity?
How does Paul describe God’s faithfulness in Romans 3, and what does this teach us about trusting Him even when we fail?
What does the example of Abraham in Romans 4 reveal about God’s faithfulness to His promises?
How do these chapters collectively show God as both Judge and Redeemer?
How does God demonstrate mercy while still upholding justice in His dealings with humanity?
What do these chapters teach about the unchanging nature of God’s character from the Old Testament to the New Testament?
Questions About Themes:
What central truth about salvation does Paul establish in Romans 1–4?
How does Paul contrast faith and works throughout these chapters, and what is his main argument?
What role does the law play in revealing sin according to Romans 2 and 3?
Why does Paul use Abraham as the key example of righteousness by faith in Romans 4?
How does Paul show that both Jews and Gentiles are equally in need of salvation?
In what way do these chapters define the concept of justification?
What theme of unity between believers from all backgrounds emerges throughout these chapters?
Reflective Application Questions:
In what ways do you see the truth of Romans 1 in today’s world, where people often reject God’s truth for their own desires?
How can understanding God’s impartial judgment in Romans 2 change the way you view others or confront hypocrisy in your own life?
When have you struggled to believe that faith alone is enough for righteousness, and how does Romans 3 challenge that mindset?
How does Abraham’s example in Romans 4 encourage you to trust God in areas where His promises seem impossible?
What practical steps can you take to live out your faith instead of relying on religious performance or works?
How can you respond with gratitude to God’s grace, knowing that your righteousness comes solely from faith in Christ?
In what ways can you share the message of Romans 1–4 with someone who believes salvation must be earned?
These questions can help deepen understanding of the themes of these chapters, while encouraging trust in God's sovereignty, justice, faithfulness, and timing. We hope thoughts to these questions invite you to reflect on your own journeys, grow in faith, and understand more about God's nature.
Reference Guides:
Life Application Study Guide
A Popular Survey of the Old Testament by Norman L. Geisler
The Power of God's Names by Tony Evans
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