“For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.” (Romans 4:13)
Most of the people in the world today think that their good deeds and charitable work earn them a place in heaven or Nirvana or whatever form that takes. And those that don’t believe in any deity or in heaven think that their good deeds make them good people, gives them satisfaction and self-esteem, and pride. Perhaps this is why these same people reject the gospel of faith in Jesus. The gospel tells us that no one is righteous, that even our righteous deeds are like filthy rags before the Lord.
As we consider the words of the Apostle Paul concerning the life of Abraham from Genesis 12, we learn that Abraham was deemed to be righteous by the Lord by faith not by any works he had done or by the greatness of his character and virtue. The Lord made this declaration even before He ratified the covenant with Abraham by circumcision and long before the Law of Moses was in effect. All Abraham did was believe in God’s promise that He would make him a great nation and give him many descendants through whom the Lord would bless all the peoples of the earth. This faith is what God accredited to him as righteousness.
The same is true for all whom Jesus has called into His Kingdom. Salvation comes by faith, not good deeds to all who believe. Without such neither faith those who keep the Law, or try to, and those who are circumcised can boast in their legacy or claim that they are in any way entitled to eternal life.
Paul wants us to know that we cannot establish our own righteousness. To even attempt it is an act of pride and conceit because it is impossible. Moreover it is unthinkable: if we could keep the Law, if we could become sinless on our own, Christ would not have had to die for our sins. But the truth is no one can keep the law of God, moral or Mosaic to the perfection God demands. Therefore, when God calls us He gives us the faith that is credited to us as righteousness by applying to us the righteousness of Jesus. This is a free gift apart from any works of obedience, holiness, sacrifice, or charity. He pardons and covers over our sins by declaring them paid in full by the sacrifice of Christ. When He sees the one who had faith, He sees Jesus.