Overview:
Even though we have sinned and will keep on sinning, God has declared us as righteous. How? We are justified by faith in Christ.
Learn with Pastor Chuck Swindoll how Abraham’s and David’s lives demonstrate that justification comes by faith apart from works and the law (Romans 4:1–13).
Take hold of grace and thank God for His righteousness gifted to you by faith in Christ!
Message Summary:
In “Righteousness Is a Five-Letter Word,” Pastor Chuck Swindoll clarifies the most fundamental truth of the Christian faith: FAITH. While “righteousness” sounds like a complex theological concept, Swindoll simplifies it by showing that standing right before God is not earned through long lists of rules or religious works, but is received through a simple, five-letter word: faith.
Drawing from Romans 4:1–13, this message uses the lives of two great biblical figures—Abraham and David—to prove that God has always justified the ungodly through belief, not behavior. Swindoll explains that righteousness is “credited” to our account as a gift of grace. This study is a powerful reminder that even though we have sinned and continue to struggle, God’s declaration of our righteousness is based entirely on the finished work of Jesus Christ.
Message Key Facts:
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The Concept of Imputation: Swindoll uses the financial term “credited” (or reckoned) to explain how God places Christ’s righteousness onto our spiritual bank account.
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Abraham’s Example: Paul argues that Abraham was declared righteous before he was circumcised and before the Law was given, proving that faith is the only requirement.
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David’s Testimony: Even after David’s great moral failures, he spoke of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works.
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Grace vs. Wages: The message distinguishes between a “wage” (what you earn for work) and a “gift” (what you receive by grace). Righteousness is always a gift, never a wage.
Message References:
Primary Scripture References
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Romans 4:1–3: The central argument: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
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Romans 4:4–5: The distinction between working for pay and believing in the One who justifies the ungodly.
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Romans 4:6–8: David’s quote from Psalm 32 regarding the blessing of having sins forgiven and never counted against us.
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Romans 4:9–12: The proof that faith precedes religious rituals (like circumcision), making Abraham the father of all who believe.
Core Principles for Life
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Stop Trying to Earn What is Already Given: You can never work hard enough to achieve God’s standard of righteousness. Accept the gift of grace and find rest in Christ’s performance instead of your own.
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Trust God’s “Accounting”: When you feel guilty, remind yourself of the ledger. God has wiped away your debt and credited you with the perfect life of His Son.
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Faith is the Key: Righteousness is accessed through the five-letter word FAITH. It is a total reliance on God’s promise rather than your own potential.
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Grace is for the “Ungodly”: Romans 4:5 says God justifies the ungodly. You don’t have to clean yourself up to come to Him; you come as you are, and He provides the righteousness you lack.
