Now to the one who works, his pay is not credited due to grace but due to obligation. But to the one who does not work, but believes in the one who declares the ungodly righteous, his faith is credited as righteousness.
Romans 4:4-5 NET
In the previous chapter, Paul introduced a righteousness from God that is given to all who believe (Rom. 3:22). This righteousness from God is given by faith, apart from the works of the law (Rom. 3:28). Then, in Romans 4:4-5, Paul began to address a question many have. What do I need to do? What must I do to be saved? Essentially, how can I earn my salvation?
Paul started to address this question by picturing a work situation. Before I retired, I essentially had a contract with an employer. I would perform work for them, and they would compensate me with a wage. So long as I did my part, the employer was obligated to reward me for my labor.
And many are tempted to understand salvation in a similar fashion. There are certain things I must do to be saved. And, if I do them, God will be obligated to save me. We may not think in terms of obligation. But that is implied in this type of transaction.
In contrast to an obligated wage that we earn, is a gift. A gift might be given for a variety of reasons. But never out of obligation. The one giving the gift does not have to do so. If they did, it would not be a gift. Instead, it would be more like a wage or reward.
A Gift Rather Than an Obligation
How does this apply to the righteousness that God gives? Paul is adamant that it is a gift. God is under no obligation to credit righteousness to any of us. There is nothing we must do, or can do, that would obligate God to grant this to us.
To be considered righteous is a gift that God freely chooses to give to all who have faith in Christ. We cannot earn it in any way. We can only receive it through faith.
