What does Romans 4:24 mean?

Explanation

Romans 4:24 forms part of the Apostle Paul's explanation of justification by faith, which is a central theme in his letter to the Romans.

The verse asserts that the righteousness of God will be applied ("imputed") not just to Abraham (to whom Paul refers in the previous verses) but also to anyone who believes in God, specifically in His power to raise Jesus from the dead.

The word "imputed" here means to ascribe righteousness to someone by virtue of faith, rather than by their adherence to the Law or their own works. The core argument is that justification, or being made right with God, is available through faith to both Jews and Gentiles.

Historical Context

Romans was likely written by the Apostle Paul around A.D. 57, from Corinth, before his visit to Jerusalem.

This period marks a few decades after the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

The early Christian church was wrestling with the relationship between Jewish law and new Gentile converts.

Paul wrote to the church in Rome, which was made up of both Jewish and Gentile believers, to address issues of division, to clarify the doctrine of salvation, and to instruct them in the righteousness that comes from faith, as opposed to legalistic observance of the Mosaic Law.

Theological Insights

This verse is foundational for the Christian doctrine of justification by faith.

In theological terms, "imputation" refers to the righteousness of Christ being credited to the believer, allowing them to stand justified before God.

Different theological traditions interpret the mechanism and effects of this imputation differently:

• Protestant reformers, like Martin Luther and John Calvin, emphasized the concept of "sola fide" (faith alone) as essential for salvation.
• Catholic doctrine acknowledges the role of faith but also includes the importance of works and sacraments as part of the justification process.
• Eastern Orthodox traditions emphasize the process of theosis, a transformative process of increasing closeness to God, in which faith and works are intertwined.

Practical Applications

Romans 4:24 encourages believers to place their faith in a powerful, life-giving God. It invites Christians to trust in the promise of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ rather than relying on their own moral achievements. In daily life, this could mean:

• Finding assurance of salvation and a relationship with God through personal faith.
• Living a life of gratitude and humility, knowing that one's relationship with God isn't earned but gifted.
• Encouraging inclusivity within the Christian community, emphasizing faith as the common ground among diverse believers.

Cross-References

• Romans 4:5: But to him that worketh not, but believeth on him that justifieth the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
• Ephesians 2:8-9: For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.
• Galatians 2:16: Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by the faith of Christ, and not by the works of the law: for by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified.

Language Study

The Greek term for "imputed" in this verse is "λογιζόμεθα" (logizometha), which comes from the root "λογίζομαι" (logizomai), meaning to reckon, count, compute, or calculate. Essentially, it conveys the idea of "considering" or "counting" something as being the case.

The concept here is legal or forensic, likening God's declaration of righteousness to a legal pronouncement based on faith.

Cultural and Religious Comparisons

The Jewish context of this discussion comes from Abraham's covenant with God, where righteousness was credited to Abraham due to his belief (Genesis 15:6). The Roman culture, familiar with legal language, would understand the concept of imputed righteousness as a legal declaration.

In contrast, other ancient myths, such as those from Greek or Roman pantheons, focused on the achievement of heroes or the favor of gods through acts of valor or sacrifice, rather than a righteousness conferred by faith.

Scientific Perspectives

Romans 4:24 touches on the belief in resurrection, a supernatural event beyond the explanation of natural science. Resurrection implicates the belief in an omnipotent deity capable of acts that defy empirical evidence and physical law.

From a scientific perspective, belief in resurrection is a matter of faith rather than observable phenomena, and as such, it intersects with areas of psychology and sociology that study why and how people hold beliefs that are not based on empirical evidence.

Commentaries

Scholars and theologians have offered various perspectives on this verse:

• John Calvin emphasizes that this righteousness by faith is freely offered to all who believe, without any works, and that Abraham is an example for us all.
• In the MacArthur Study Bible, John MacArthur argues that faith is not a work that earns salvation, but the non-meritorious means by which one receives the righteousness of Christ.
• The NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible notes that the concept of imputation would resonate with the Roman legal practice of crediting accounts, making the point that righteousness is credited to one's account through faith.

Each commentary tends to reaffirm the core tenet of justification by faith and the relevance of Paul's teaching to both the original Roman audience and contemporary Christians.