Paul tells us we are all moving toward a moment when we stand accountable before our Creator. History ends in a courtroom—a solemn setting where righteousness, lawlessness, and justification are under discussion, and where our final destination is declared. It’s a day appointed, where our every word, action, and motive are laid bare. In the backdrop of this inevitable moment, we encounter a daunting truth—our own efforts cannot make us right with our Creator. Our striving falls short, because we’ve broken His commands. Yet, in this hopeless scenario, the gospel enters.
“1 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” 4 Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. 5 And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, 6 just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works: ‘Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven, and whose sins are covered; 8 blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin'” (Rom 4:1-8).
Paul presents us with Abraham, an idolater turned believer. Abraham’s hope rested not in himself, but in believing God. Two essential elements surface here: First, a righteousness not Abraham’s, a righteousness transferred to him that makes him right before God. Second, the conduit linking Abraham to this righteousness is faith. It’s a righteousness gifted by God, enveloping Abraham and making him righteous in God’s eyes.
Imagine a glorious exchange—a divine transaction that transforms us. It’s akin to a marriage union, where lives intertwine. In this case, Christ shares His righteousness, absorbing our sin and baggage. Just as a married couple’s lives merge, our lives merge with Christ’s, and His righteousness becomes our identity.
This exchange has an astonishing implication—it’s the reason we can stand before the Just Judge with confidence and joy. The verdict of judgment day has been declared at the cross: not guilty, no condemnation, righteous.
Blessing is the only word that can describe this gift. Lawless deeds are forgiven, sins are covered, the weight of guilt lifted, the stain of sin removed, and the assurance that God will not count our sins against us–this is the definition of blessing.
This courtroom experience contrasts with earthly courtrooms. Tears turn to smiles, fear to gratitude. The gospel transforms our perspective. As Karl Barth said, “Joy is the simplest form of gratitude.” The root of our thankfulness is realizing that our existence, righteousness, and life are gifts—gifts from a gracious God.
If you find yourself trembling at the day you’ll stand before the Creator, what should you do? Paul says to remember one thing—Just do nothing! Don’t strive to be better, don’t rely on your goodness, don’t try to rescue yourself, don’t attempt to be your own savior. Instead, believe in Jesus Christ. Confess Him, trust in His forgiveness, and receive His righteousness. The joyous truth is that God is the God who helps—He has gifted us justification through Christ.
Let the beauty of justification sink in. Embrace the gift of righteousness, the assurance of forgiveness, and the joy of being hidden in Christ. Let gratitude overflow for the freedom from self-justification. And as you navigate life’s challenges, uncertainties, and temptations, remember the hope of the gospel in Romans 4:1-6 and allow it to anchor your soul.