Galatians 3:6

Abraham believed God. A citation from the LXX of Gen. 15:6, where the reference is to Abraham’s acceptance of the covenant promises by faith. Paul’s opponents had made it appear that Paul had no regard for the writings of Moses, to which they had attached an exaggerated importance. Meeting them now on their own ground, Paul quotes from Moses to prove his position. In fact, the experience of Abraham — in whom they boasted — is an example of what Paul believes should be the experience of all Christians. In Rom. 4:1-3 Paul quotes the same Scripture as evidence that Abraham was justified by faith and not by works. If that was true of Abraham, it must be true of his descendants (Gal. 3:7), and doubly so of his spiritual children (vs. 14, 26-29). The important point is the superiority of faith over the law as a means of attaining righteousness.

Accounted. Or, “counted,” “reckoned.” Abraham’s faith was credited to his account in heaven, thus balancing the account. Accordingly, God considered Abraham a righteous man. Works had nothing to do with his attainment of this favorable credit rating in the books of heaven. God simply offered it to him and he accepted it by faith, believing that God meant exactly what He said. His own efforts could never have purchased this blessed status. See on Rom. 4:9-13.

Faith does not satisfy the demands of the law, for the law requires perfect obedience. Therefore, if one is to be justified by faith, it must be on the basis of some other principle than the works of the law. To be credited as righteous means being forgiven and admitted to the favor of God. Man can do nothing to deserve the gift of Christ’s righteousness; he cannot claim it on the basis of merit. Divine grace makes it possible for a just God to consider repentant sinners righteous.

Righteousness. Gr. dikaiosune (see on Matt. 5:6).