From A little house church in Tucson in 2024 - In this message, I unpack the bold declaration of Romans 4:5 — that righteousness is credited to the one who does not work, but believes in Him who justifies the ungodly. This truth reminds us that our standing before God is not achieved by any effort of our own, but by faith alone. While some perceive a conflict between Romans and James, I show that James is emphasizing the fruit that flows from true faith, not a contradiction to justification by faith. Justification begins as a moment of faith and continues into a mature expression seen in the life we live.

We take a deeper look at Abraham, who had many physical descendants, yet Scripture focuses on one particular seed — Christ. The promises given to Abraham were not about a geographical land but pointed toward a spiritual inheritance through Christ. Therefore, our position in God’s family is not based on earning or effort, but on identity. Because we belong to Christ, we are the true seed of Abraham and heirs according to God’s promise.

This message calls believers to rest securely in their identity in Christ — not as earners, but as beloved children of God living out the faith that justifies.