What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter? [2] If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God. [3] What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

God gave righteousness credit to  Abraham

Abraham was not a righteous man.  But he believed God.  Because of that faith God overlooked Abraham’s unrighteousness and many mistakes.  God credited Abraham righteousness or right in His eyes by the credit of faith.  The important word used many times in Romans 4 is logizomai (lo-gē’-zo-mī).  definition –  to reckon, count, compute, calculate, count over, to take into account, to make an account of.  Some samples used in Scripture.

Genesis 15:6 And Abram believed the LORD, and the LORD counted him as righteous because of his faith.

Mark 11:31 And they reasoned among themselves, saying, “If we say, ‘From heaven,’ He will say, ‘Why then did you not believe him?’

Luke 22:37 For the time has come for this prophecy about me to be fulfilled: ‘He was counted among the rebels.’ Yes, everything written about me by the prophets will come true.”

God credits sinners His righteousness because they believe on Jesus.

Abraham was not righteous in himself. He was not perfect or blameless. But God treated him as though he was. What great news.  God sees our faith and because of Christ’s payment for the sins of the world He can look at our wickedness and faith and count, compute, calculate, take into account our belief and treat us as righteous.  God applies to us His righteousness.

Resting and righteous by the goodness of God.

I believe in God.  He looks at my struggling life.  He sees my belief in God even  in my sinful body.  He places His righteousness on me and a lightnside me.  Because of God’s actions of crediting to me His righteousness, I am becoming more righteous through Christ, the Holy Spirit and God.