But to him that works not, but believes on him that justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted for righteousness.
All Commentaries on Romans 4:5 Go To Romans 4
John Chrysostom
AD 407
Think how great a thing it is to be persuaded and have complete confidence that God is able not only to set an ungodly man free from punishment but also to make him righteous and count him worthy to receive these immortal honors…. This is what makes a believer glorious—the fact that he enjoys so great a grace and displays such great faith. Note too that the recompense is greater. For the one who works receives his reward, but the one who believes is made righteous. Righteousness is much greater than a reward, because it is a recompense which includes many rewards.
