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
Here, Paul flips the comparison: those who do not work but believe—“believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly”—receive righteousness. God justifies the ungodly, not the already righteous. This challenges human criteria for acceptance and echoes Abraham’s faith, not works. In the original audience, the distinction between the “ungodly” and the righteous could imply outsiders and insiders. Yet God’s method of justification blesses the outsider who believes. The phrase “counted for righteousness” anchors the idea that God’s accounting is by faith, not by merit. The verse broadens the scope of who can be righteous, confirming the inclusion of Gentiles and sinners who trust in God.
This is a watershed verse for predicate grace: divine justification is by faith in God who justifies the ungodly. It reframes righteousness as a gracious grant to those who admit need, not as a reward for perfection. Theologically, it demolishes any ground for boasting and locates the hope of humanity squarely in God’s mercy and faithfulness. It also aligns with the broader biblical witness that salvation is initiated by God’s grace and received through faith, not earned through human merit.
When you feel “unworthy,” this verse is for you. God justifies the ungodly—this includes you in moments of failure or weakness. The practical takeaway: bring your brokenness to God, admit your need, and trust his declaration over your life. In confession, in therapy, in relationships, lean into the truth that your status with God rests on Christ’s merit for you, not your own. Let this freedom reshape how you handle guilt, shame, and forgiveness toward others—extend grace rather than judgment, recognizing that you, too, are being justified in daily life as you continually trust in God.
Cross-References: Romans 3:22-24; Isaiah 53:6; Psalm 32:1-2; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 11:6