Romans 4:1-8 - Abraham and David Were Justified by Faith Apart From Works

 4:1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather, 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 the Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness."  

4 Now when a man works, his wages are not credited to him as a gift, but as an obligation.

5 However, to the man who does not work but trusts God who justifies the wicked, his faith is credited as righteousness.

6 David says the same thing [in Psalm 32:1-2] when he speaks of the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:  

7 "Blessed are they whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.

8 Blessed is the man whose sin the Lord will never count against him."