Romans 4 - 7

Paul continues to explain to the Roman believers how God's righteousness is given and not earned.  He states the case of Abraham who was declared righteous by God apart from any work he had performed.  This righteousness is not transmitted via a ritual like circumcision or any other ritual, but merely by faith.  This steadfast dependence on God to perform what cannot be merited or earned is what demonstrates God's grace in declaring such a one righteous.  This imputed righteousness gives peace in times of trouble and comfort in times of distress.  Our standing with God is not dependent upon our outward circumstances.  Every person is born without this righteousness and is in need of God's transforming work.  Nevertheless, Jesus Christ proved to be a righteous man by living a life that was sinless and then sacrificially gave that life as the full payment price for sin's debt.  It is His death that qualifies individuals to be recipients of God's grace.  His life, death, and resurrection breaks the power of the law to condemn and enslave.  Because of Jesus, the law and sin do not have to be life's controlling factor.