Romans 4 Paul begins this chapter talking about Abraham.. "For what does Scripture say? And Abraham believed God and it was reckoned to him as righteousness."  This word "reckon" is the central theme of Paul's argument here.  It comes from the Greek word "logizomal" which is translated as reckon, account, estimate, conclude, count, impute, etc. Its root word is logos- which we know means something spoken.. the word.. but can also mean a computation, an account,  a motive, or a thought.  John wrote, " In the beginning was the Word.. ( the Logos) and the Word was with God and the Word was God." (1:1)

God "reckoned" Abraham's faith.. "as righteousness".  He took account of Abraham's faith.. He imputed it.. counted it.. and concluded it.. He spoke.. He said.. He declared it.. "his faith is reckoned as righteousness."  Perfect, amazing, wonderful Grace!

Paul is careful to explain that it was not "to the one who works"... and  "not through the Law".. that Abraham was declared righteous.. "For this reason it is by faith, that it might be in accordance with grace, in order that the promise may be certain to all the descendants, not only to those who are of the Law, but also to those who are of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of all." (v16)

Abraham's faith was not in the Law.. for it had not been given yet.  His faith was not in his circumcision.. for that happened afterward as a "seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had while uncircumcised.." No, Abraham "in hope against hope.. believed".  He believed that God would keep His promise to make him the father of nations, even though he was 100 years old and his wife was way past childbearing years. Abraham believed in what God would do.. something that he had no way of doing in his own power.. and it was this belief that God reckoned to him as righteousness. 

Therefore, Paul writes, we can have the full assurance that God will do the same for us.. He will reckon our faith.. ".. as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead, He who was delivered up because of our transgressions and was raised because of our justification." (v24-25).

"Blessed are those whose lawless deeds have been forgiven, and whose sins have been covered. Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will not take into account." (v7-8 )Or as the NASB says, "How blessed is the man to who the Lord does not impute iniquity."  Paul quotes the Psalm of David (Psalm 32)  

He does not reckon us sinful, guilty, vile, unrighteous, wicked..anymore!  He provided the sacrifice.. the "propitiation in His blood".. and we receive that gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ the One who died for us! Hallelujah! What a Savior! He has "reckoned" us as righteous! 

Father in heaven, Holy and Righteous God, You are just and the justifier for all who will believe in Jesus. We can not work for righteousness. We can not earn it and do not deserve it.. but You have reckoned our faith in Jesus Christ.. taking account of His sacrifice... and imputing it to our accounts. How can we thank You enough? We praise You and bless Your holy Name.  Thank You! Amen and amen!