Romans 4:2

Abraham's Faith Counted As Righteousness

¹ What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather humanly speaking, has found? [Has he obtained a favored standing?] ² For if Abraham was justified [that is, acquitted from the guilt of his sins] by works [those things he did that were good], he has something to boast about, but not before God. ³ For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in (trusted, relied on) God, and it was credited to his account as righteousness (right living, right standing with God).”

Before God

From God

Good Deeds

Good Works

In the Sight of God

Justified by Works

Presence of God

With God

Works of the Law

O God

Abraham

No

1 Corinthians 1:31

so then, as it is written [in Scripture], “He who boasts and glories, let him boast and glory in the Lord.”

Genesis 12:12-13

so when the Egyptians see you, they will say, ‘This is his wife’; and they will kill me [to acquire you], but they will let you live.

Genesis 12:18

Then Pharaoh called Abram and said, “What is this that you have done to me? Why did you not tell me that she was your wife?

Genesis 12:20

So Pharaoh commanded his men concerning him; and they escorted him on his way, with his wife and all that he had.

Genesis 20:9-13

Then Abimelech called Abraham and said to him, “What have you done to us? And how have I offended you that you have brought on me and my kingdom a great sin? You have done to me what ought not to be done [to anyone].”

Joshua 24:2

Joshua said to all the people, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says, ‘Your fathers, including Terah, the father of Abraham and the father of Nahor, lived beyond the [Euphrates] River in ancient times; and they served other gods.

Jeremiah 9:23-24

Thus says the Lord, “Let not the one who is wise and skillful boast in his insight; let not the one who is mighty and powerful boast in his strength; let not the one who is rich boast in his [temporal satisfactions and earthly] abundance;

Ezekiel 8:9

And He said to me, “Go in and see the wicked, repulsive acts that they are committing here.”

Romans 3:20-28

For no person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].

Romans 15:17

In Christ Jesus, then, I have found [legitimate] reason for boasting in things related [to my service] to God.

1 Corinthians 1:29

so that no one may [be able to] boast in the presence of God.

1 Corinthians 4:7

For who regards you as superior or what sets you apart as special? What do you have that you did not receive [from another]? And if in fact you received it [from God or someone else], why do you boast as if you had not received it [but had gained it by yourself]?

1 Corinthians 9:16

For if I [merely] preach the gospel, I have nothing to boast about, for I am compelled [that is, absolutely obligated to do it]. Woe to me if I do not preach the good news [of salvation]!

2 Corinthians 5:12

We are not commending ourselves to you again, but are giving you an occasion to be [rightfully] proud of us, so that you will have an answer for those who take pride in [outward] appearances [the virtues they pretend to have] rather than what is [actually] in heart.

2 Corinthians 11:12

But what I am doing I will keep doing, [for I am determined to keep this independence] in order to cut off the claim of those who want an opportunity to be regarded just as we are in the things they brag about.

2 Corinthians 11:30

If I must boast, I will boast of the things that reveal my weakness [the things by which I am made weak in the eyes of my opponents].

2 Corinthians 12:1-9

It is necessary to boast, though nothing is gained by it; but I will go on to visions and revelations of the Lord.

Galatians 3:22

But the Scripture has imprisoned everyone [everything—the entire world] under sin, so that [the inheritance, the blessing of salvation] which was promised through faith in Jesus Christ might be given to those who believe [in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s precious Son].

Galatians 6:13-14

For even the circumcised [Jews] themselves do not [really] keep the Law, but they want to have you circumcised so that they may boast in your flesh [that is, in the fact that they convinced you to be circumcised].

Ephesians 2:9

not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].

Philippians 3:9

and may be found in Him [believing and relying on Him], not having any righteousness of my own derived from [my obedience to] the Law and its rituals, but [possessing] that [genuine righteousness] which comes through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.