16 Abraham Believed God

This passage is expressing a general truth in regard to works. If a man were justified by his works, it would be credited to him as a reward for his work. It is a general principle in regard to contracts and obligations, that where a man fulfils the agreement, he is entitled to the reward as that which is now due to him, and which he has earned. This is well understood in all business and labor transactions. Where a man has fulfilled the terms of a contract, to pay him is not a matter of favor; he has earned it; and the one who issued the contract is bound to pay him. So says the apostle, it would be, like if a man were justified by his works. He would have a claim on God. It would be wrong not to justify him. And this is an additional reason why the doctrine cannot be true. As an example Paul uses Abraham as an example of faith which leads to rightesousness.