Romans 4:1-3
1 “What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, has found? 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 credited to him as righteousness.”
Apparently, the idea of being saved by works is not only very common in today’s religious world but also Paul’s. If someone, hypothetically, could be saved by works, then they could boast. And yet, as Paul has made clear, nobody can actually perform the works required by God’s law. This is why nobody can boast before God. Our works are completely useless. This would have been especially difficult for the Pharisees. They were saying the opposite! They were praying on street corners and doing good works for all to see. But such works are futile according to Paul.
Instead, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness. He believed God’s promise. This allows for boasting, but not in works or even our faith: We boast in God because of His grace. The object of faith matters more than the size or strength of faith.
