Grace Over Debt — Romans 3 & 4 In this episode of Lifespring! One Year Bible Rewind, Steve Webb reads Romans 3 & 4. First, Paul shows that all have sinned. Then he announces good news: God declares the ungodly righteous by faith. Finally, Abraham’s story illustrates how grace credits righteousness apart from works. Therefore, salvation rests on God’s promise, not our performance. Today’s Reading Romans 3–4 (Bible reading) Read today’s passage on BibleGateway.com. Commentary Paul confronts a universal problem: no one can claim righteousness by keeping the law. Because the law reveals sin but cannot remove guilt, every person needs a righteousness that comes from God. Consequently, Paul declares that God justifies sinners by grace through faith in Jesus. This justification is not a wage we earn; rather, it is a gift God gives. As a result, boasting disappears. We stand before God with empty hands, yet with a living hope. Then Paul turns to Abraham as a living example. Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Importantly, this happened before circumcision, which proves that righteousness comes by faith and not by rituals or ethnic identity. In the same way, anyone—Jew or Gentile—can receive this gift by trusting God’s promise. Therefore, grace cancels debt, and faith receives what God provides in Christ. Why Romans 3–4 Matters These chapters shape how believers understand the gospel. Because all fall short of God’s glory, no one can stand on personal merit. However, God provides a way: Jesus satisfies justice and offers mercy. Consequently, the gospel produces both humility and joy. We stop striving to earn acceptance, and we start walking in gratitude. In practical terms, this truth frees the weary, welcomes the outsider, and fuels worship. Key Verses Romans 3:23–24 — “All have sinned … and are justified freely by his grace.” Takeaway: guilt is universal; grace is available. Romans 3:28 — “A person is justified by faith apart from works of the law.” Takeaway: faith receives; works cannot achieve. Romans 4:3 — “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” Takeaway: right standing comes by trusting God’s promise. Romans 4:5 — “God justifies the ungodly.” Takeaway: grace meets us at our worst and makes us new. Key Terms (Simple Definitions) Justification: God’s legal declaration that a sinner is righteous in His sight because of Christ. Faith: Trust in God’s promise and in the finished work of Jesus, not confidence in self. Grace: God’s undeserved favor; He gives what we could never earn. Credit/Impute: God counts Christ’s righteousness to our account by faith. Chapters 00:00:00 — Intro & Welcome 00:02:15 — Reading — Romans 3