It is often best to describe anything by comparing it with what is well known and understood or by contrasting it with something that is the opposite. Before delving into this study of faith and works, it is very important to realize that the context of this study in Romans is set around the theme of justification. Thus, Paul contrasts faith in Romans 4:4-8 with works of the law. Let it be clear that faith is not at odds with all works. In fact, faith without works is dead (James 2:26; cf. Gal. 5:6). The works that is set over against faith is the kind of works over which one could boast. Not all works fall into the same classification. For example, the works of the flesh is another kind of works under discussion. Yet, no one would argue that since baptism is a work, you will not inherit the kingdom of God if you ever submit to being baptized (cf. Gal. 5:19-21). But, while baptism is not a work of the flesh, it is also not a work of the law of which one could boast (Rom. 4:2). Baptism does not fit the category of works in Romans 4 any more than it does in Galatians 5 and the works of the flesh. I suppose some could view baptism as a work of law, but it is not by nature in contradiction to grace and faith. The kind of works of law that would accentuate human accomplishment and recognition of perfection would require a reward as a matter of debt, not grace. In this case, justification would be on the ground of human merit. God would owe it to that person a sentence of life based upon innocence. Such a person does not stand in need of grace and forgiveness. This can only be discussed as a theoretical concept, not a reality of life’s experiences. When Paul begins chapter four, he asks, “What did Abraham, our father, find as pertaining to the flesh?” In other words, as wonderful a hero for the Jewish world, Abraham stood in need of God’s grace like any other man, except Jesus. In verse 16, Paul writes, “It is of faith that it might be according to grace.” The works under discussion rule out grace. Later, in chapter eleven and verse six, Paul writes, “But, if it is by grace, it is no more of works; otherwise grace is no more grace.”
The contrast is between someone who is innocent on the basis of his or her own conduct. They are really not guilty. We know this does not describe humanity. Or, we might envision others who think they are not guilty because they have presented a perfect record of law-keeping and have never sinned. Historically, some religious zealots have deluded themselves into believing this lie (1 John 1:6-9) and live to convict others of the lie. Such a sinless man would have no need of grace. It is for this reason that Paul spend the first three chapters convicting all under sin. No one can plead “not guilty” before a holy and just God.
Now that we have identified the works of which one is not justified, the nature of faith is only defined by accepting and obeying the terms of grace. The same Psalm that is quoted in Romans 4 concerning David’s forgiveness admits that the condition of his forgiveness was acknowledging his sin to God. The entire eleventh chapter of Hebrews emphasizes a faith that obeys. It is in this context that James could write that we are justified by works and not by faith only (James 2:24). Similarly, Paul speaks of faith as the condition of our identity as children, but then adds, “For as many as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ” (Gal. 3:27). We have grown up hearing people talk about baptism being an outward sign of an inward grace when it is more accurate to say that baptism is proof of one’s faith. It is as much an act of faith as it was for Abraham to leave Ur of Chaldees when God told him to, assuring him that He would show him the land he would inherit. According to Colossians 2:11-12, it is the work that God performs on us. Taking God at His word, we act in faith. That’s our role for pardon. Once submitting to God’s will, He does the saving, the cleansing. Yet, we submit to His rule, believing that what God had promised, He will perform. We are not justified on the grounds of our own accomplishment any more than Abraham’s leaving Ur was the basis for his acquiring the land. God gave it to him (grace), and he accepted it (faith) but obeyed, not knowing where he was going (works). Abraham didn’t accept God’s promises by passively acknowledging the gift from God. Neither did any of the other heroes of faith. For this reason, we have Paul’s concise but clear explanation that we repeat as that which truly avails, “FAITH THAT WORKS THROUGH LOVE” (Gal. 5:6). Can it get any clearer than that?