Romans 4 - 5

Abraham Justified by Faith

1 What then shall we say that a Abraham our b father 1 has found according to the flesh? 2 For if Abraham was c justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. 3 For what does the Scripture say? d "Abraham believed God, and it was 2 accounted to him for righteousness." 3 4 Now e to him who works, the wages are not counted 4 as grace but as debt. 5 But to him who f does not work but believes on Him who justifies g the ungodly, his faith is accounted for righteousness, 6 just as David also h describes the blessedness of the man to whom God imputes righteousness apart from works:

7 "Blessed i are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,
And whose sins are covered;
8 Blessed is the man to whom the LORD shall not impute sin." 5

9 Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness. 10 How then was it accounted? While he was circumcised, or uncircumcised? Not while circumcised, but while uncircumcised. 11 And j he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while still uncircumcised, that k he might be the father of all those who believe, though they are uncircumcised, that righteousness might be imputed to them also, 12 and the father of circumcision to those who not only are of the circumcision, but who also walk in the steps of the faith which our father l Abraham had while still uncircumcised.

The Promise Realized Through Faith

13 For the promise that he would be the m heir of the world was not to Abraham or to his seed through the law, but through the righteousness of faith. 14 For n if those who are of the law are heirs, faith is made void and the promise made of no effect, 15 because o the law brings about wrath; for where there is no law there is no transgression.

16 Therefore it is of faith that it might be p according to grace, q so that the promise might be 6 sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, r who is the father of us all 17 (as it is written, s "I have made you a father of many nations" 7 ) in the presence of Him whom he believed - God, t who gives life to the dead and calls those u things which do not exist as though they did; 18 who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, v "So shall your descendants be." 8 19 And not being weak in faith, w he did not consider his own body, already dead (since he was about a hundred years old), x and the deadness of Sarah's womb. 20 He did not waver at the promise of God through unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, giving glory to God, 21 and being fully convinced that what He had promised y He was also able to perform. 22 And therefore z "it was accounted to him for righteousness." 9 23 Now a it was not written for his sake alone that it was imputed to him, 24 but also for us. It shall be imputed to us who believe b in Him who raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, 25 c who was delivered up because of our offenses, and d was raised because of our justification.

Romans 5

Peace with God Through Faith

1 Therefore, a having been justified by faith, 10 we have b peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 2 c through whom also we have access by faith into this grace d in which we stand, and e rejoice in hope of the glory of God. 3 And not only that, but f we also glory in tribulations, g knowing that tribulation produces 11 perseverance; 4 h and perseverance, 12 character; and character, hope. 5 i Now hope does not disappoint, j because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 For when we were still without strength, 13 in due time k Christ died for the ungodly. 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die; yet perhaps for a good man someone would even dare to die. 8 But l God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. 9 Much more then, having now been justified m by His blood, we shall be saved n from wrath through Him. 10 For o if when we were enemies p we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved q by His life. 11 And not only that, but we also r rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received the reconciliation.

Death in Adam, Life in Christ

12 Therefore, just as s through one man sin entered the world, and t death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned - 13 (For until the law sin was in the world, but u sin is not imputed when there is no law. 14 Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those who had not sinned according to the likeness of the transgression of Adam, v who is a type of Him who was to come.

15 But the free gift is not like the 14 offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded w to many. 16 And the gift is not like that which came through the one who sinned. For the judgment which came from one offense resulted in condemnation, but the free gift which came from many 15 offenses resulted in justification. 17 For if by the one man's 16 offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.)

18 Therefore, as through 17 one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through x one 18 Man's righteous act the free gift came y to all men, resulting in justification of life. 19 For as by one man's disobedience many were made sinners, so also by z one Man's obedience many will be made righteous. 20 Moreover a the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace b abounded much more, 21 so that as sin reigned in death, even so grace might reign through righteousness to eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

  1. Cross References
    Genesis 11:27
    This is the genealogy of Terah: Terah begot Abram, Nahor, and Haran. Haran begot Lot.
    Genesis 25:9
    And his sons Isaac and Ishmael buried him in the cave of Machpelah, which is before Mamre, in the field of Ephron the son of Zohar the Hittite.
    Isaiah 51:2
    Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.
    Matthew 3:9
    And do not think to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
    John 8:33
    They answered Him, "We are Abraham's descendants, and have never been in bondage to anyone. How can You say, 'You will be made free'?
  2. Cross References
    Luke 3:8
    Therefore bear fruits worthy of repentance, and do not begin to say to yourselves, 'We have Abraham as our father.' For I say to you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.
    John 8:53
    "Are You greater than our father Abraham, who is dead? And the prophets are dead. Who do You make Yourself out to be?"
    James 2:21
    Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?
  3. Cross References
    Romans 3:20
    Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
    Romans 3:27
    Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? Of works? No, but by the law of faith.
  4. Cross References
    Genesis 15:6
    And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
    Romans 4:9
    Does this blessedness then come upon the circumcised only, or upon the uncircumcised also? For we say that faith was accounted to Abraham for righteousness.
    Romans 4:22
    And therefore "it was accounted to him for righteousness.
    Galatians 3:6
    Just as Abraham "believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.
    James 2:23
    And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, "Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness." And he was called the friend of God.
  5. Cross References
    Romans 11:6
    And if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.
  6. Cross References
    Galatians 2:16
    Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law but by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.
    Ephesians 2:8
    For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God.
    Ephesians 2:9
    Not of works, lest anyone should boast.
  7. Cross References
    Joshua 24:2
    And Joshua said to all the people, "Thus says the LORD God of Israel: 'Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, dwelt on the other side of the River in old times; and they served other gods.
  8. Cross References
    Psalms 32:1
    Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
    Psalms 32:2
    Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
  9. Cross References
    Psalms 32:1
    Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered.
    Psalms 32:2
    Blessed is the man to whom the LORD does not impute iniquity, And in whose spirit there is no deceit.
  10. Cross References
    Genesis 17:10
    This is My covenant which you shall keep, between Me and you and your descendants after you: Every male child among you shall be circumcised.
  11. Cross References
    Luke 19:9
    And Jesus said to him, "Today salvation has come to this house, because he also is a son of Abraham.
    Romans 4:16
    Therefore it is of faith that it might be according to grace, so that the promise might be sure to all the seed, not only to those who are of the law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all
  12. Cross References
    Romans 4:18 - 22
    Who, contrary to hope, in hope believed, so that he became the father of many nations, according to what was spoken, "So shall your descendants be.
  13. Cross References
    Genesis 17:4 - 6
    As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you, and you shall be a father of many nations.
    Genesis 22:17
    Blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply your descendants as the stars of the heaven and as the sand which is on the seashore; and your descendants shall possess the gate of their enemies.
  14. Cross References
    Galatians 3:18
    For if the inheritance is of the law, it is no longer of promise; but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
  15. Cross References
    Romans 3:20
    Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin.
  16. Cross References
    Romans 3:24
    Being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
  17. Cross References
    Galatians 3:22
    But the Scripture has confined all under sin, that the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe.
  18. Cross References
    Isaiah 51:2
    Look to Abraham your father, And to Sarah who bore you; For I called him alone, And blessed him and increased him.
  19. Cross References
    Genesis 17:5
    No longer shall your name be called Abram, but your name shall be Abraham; for I have made you a father of many nations.
  20. Cross References
    Romans 8:11
    But if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead dwells in you, He who raised Christ from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit who dwells in you.
  21. Cross References
    Romans 9:26
    "And it shall come to pass in the place where it was said to them, ' You are not My people,' There they shall be called sons of the living God."
  22. Cross References
    Genesis 15:5
    Then He brought him outside and said, "Look now toward heaven, and count the stars if you are able to number them." And He said to him, "So shall your descendants be.
  23. Cross References
    Genesis 17:17
    Then Abraham fell on his face and laughed, and said in his heart, "Shall a child be born to a man who is one hundred years old? And shall Sarah, who is ninety years old, bear a child?
  24. Cross References
    Hebrews 11:11
    By faith Sarah herself also received strength to conceive seed, and she bore a child when she was past the age, because she judged Him faithful who had promised.
  25. Cross References
    Genesis 18:14
    "Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son."
    Psalms 115:3
    But our God is in heaven; He does whatever He pleases.
    Luke 1:37
    "For with God nothing will be impossible."
    Hebrews 11:19
    Concluding that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead, from which he also received him in a figurative sense.
  26. Cross References
    Genesis 15:6
    And he believed in the LORD, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.
  27. Cross References
    Romans 15:4
    For whatever things were written before were written for our learning, that we through the patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope.
    1 Corinthians 10:6
    Now these things became our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things as they also lusted.
  28. Cross References
    Acts 2:24
    Whom God raised up, having loosed the pains of death, because it was not possible that He should be held by it.
  29. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:4
    Surely He has borne our griefs And carried our ...
    Isaiah 53:5
    But He was wounded for our transgressions, He w...
    Romans 5:6
    For when we were still without strength, in due...
    Romans 5:8
    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in...
    Romans 8:32
    He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered...
    Galatians 2:20
    I have been crucified with Christ; it is no lon...
    Ephesians 5:2
    And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us a...
    Hebrews 9:28
    So Christ was offered once to bear the sins of ...
  30. Cross References
    Romans 5:18
    Therefore, as through one man's offense judgment came to all men, resulting in condemnation, even so through one Man's righteous act the free gift came to all men, resulting in justification of life.
    1 Corinthians 15:17
    And if Christ is not risen, your faith is futile; you are still in your sins!
    2 Corinthians 5:15
    And He died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again.
  31. Cross References
    Isaiah 32:17
    The work of righteousness will be peace, And the effect of righteousness, quietness and assurance forever.
    John 16:33
    "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world."
  32. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:5
    But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.
    Acts 10:36
    The word which God sent to the children of Israel, preaching peace through Jesus Christ - He is Lord of all -
    Ephesians 2:14
    For He Himself is our peace, who has made both one, and has broken down the middle wall of separation.
  33. Cross References
    John 10:9
    I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.
    Ephesians 2:18
    For through Him we both have access by one Spirit to the Father.
    Ephesians 3:12
    In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through faith in Him.
    Hebrews 10:19
    Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus.
    1 Peter 3:18
    For Christ also suffered once for sins, the just for the unjust, that He might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive by the Spirit.
  34. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:1
    Moreover, brethren, I declare to you the gospel which I preached to you, which also you received and in which you stand.
  35. Cross References
    Hebrews 3:6
    But Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end.
  36. Cross References
    Matthew 5:11
    Blessed are you when they revile and persecute ...
    Matthew 5:12
    Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is y...
    John 16:33
    "These things I have spoken to you, that in Me ...
    Acts 5:41
    So they departed from the presence of the counc...
    2 Corinthians 12:9
    And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for ...
    James 1:2
    My brethren, count it all joy when you fall int...
  37. Cross References
    James 1:3
    Knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
  38. Cross References
    Philippians 2:22
    But you know his proven character, that as a son with his father he served with me in the gospel.
    James 1:12
    Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
  39. Cross References
    Philippians 1:20
    According to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death.
  40. Cross References
    2 Corinthians 1:22
    Who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee.
    Ephesians 1:13
    In Him you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation; in whom also, having believed, you were sealed with the Holy Spirit of promise.
  41. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:5
    But He was wounded for our transgressions, He w...
    Romans 4:25
    Who was delivered up because of our offenses, a...
    Romans 5:8
    But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in...
    Romans 8:32
    He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered...
    Galatians 2:20
    I have been crucified with Christ; it is no lon...
    Ephesians 5:2
    And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us a...
  42. Cross References
    John 3:16
    For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.
    John 15:13
    Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends.
    Romans 8:39
    Nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
  43. Cross References
    Ephesians 2:13
    But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.
    1 John 1:7
    But if we walk in the light as He is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus Christ His Son cleanses us from all sin.
  44. Cross References
    Romans 1:18
    For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who suppress the truth in unrighteousness.
    1 Thessalonians 1:10
    And to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.
  45. Cross References
    Romans 8:32
    He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?
  46. Cross References
    Romans 11:28
    Concerning the gospel they are enemies for your sake, but concerning the election they are beloved for the sake of the fathers.
    2 Corinthians 5:18
    Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.
    Ephesians 2:5
    Even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).
    Ephesians 2:6
    And raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus.
    Colossians 1:21
    And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled
  47. Cross References
    John 14:19
    A little while longer and the world will see Me no more, but you will see Me. Because I live, you will live also.
  48. Cross References
    Galatians 4:9
    But now after you have known God, or rather are known by God, how is it that you turn again to the weak and beggarly elements, to which you desire again to be in bondage?
  49. Cross References
    Genesis 2:17
    "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
    Genesis 3:6
    So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, that it was pleasant to the eyes, and a tree desirable to make one wise, she took of its fruit and ate. She also gave to her husband with her, and he ate.
    Genesis 3:19
    In the sweat of your face you shall eat bread Till you return to the ground, For out of it you were taken; For dust you are, And to dust you shall return.
    Romans 5:15 - 17
    But the free gift is not like the offense. For if by the one man's offense many died, much more the grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many.
    1 Corinthians 15:21
    For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
  50. Cross References
    Genesis 2:17
    "but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat, for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die."
  51. Cross References
    1 John 3:4
    Whoever commits sin also commits lawlessness, and sin is lawlessness.
  52. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:21
    For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
    1 Corinthians 15:22
    For as in Adam all die, even so in Christ all shall be made alive.
  53. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:11
    He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.
  54. Cross References
    1 Corinthians 15:21
    For since by man came death, by Man also came the resurrection of the dead.
    1 Corinthians 15:45
    And so it is written, "The first man Adam became a living being." The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.
  55. Cross References
    Matthew 1:21
    "And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins."
    John 12:32
    "And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all peoples to Myself."
  56. Cross References
    Isaiah 53:11
    He shall see the labor of His soul, and be satisfied. By His knowledge My righteous Servant shall justify many, For He shall bear their iniquities.
    Isaiah 53:12
    Therefore I will divide Him a portion with the great, And He shall divide the spoil with the strong, Because He poured out His soul unto death, And He was numbered with the transgressors, And He bore the sin of many, And made intercession for the transgressors.
    Philippians 2:8
    And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.
  57. Cross References
    John 15:22
    If I had not come and spoken to them, they would have no sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin.
  58. Cross References
    Luke 7:47
    "Therefore I say to you, her sins, which are many, are forgiven, for she loved much. But to whom little is forgiven, the same loves little."
    Romans 6:1
    What shall we say then? Shall we continue in sin that grace may abound?
    1 Timothy 1:14
    And the grace of our Lord was exceedingly abundant, with faith and love which are in Christ Jesus.
New King James Version (NKJV) Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc.