NOTES for Rom 4:2
If Abraham was justified not by works, then why did he do works? Does this mean that it is enough to have faith and one need do nothing?
To understand Paul's words correctly, one must remember what faith is. If by faith one understands exclusively a set of theoretical ideas that have no practical outcome, then indeed it is unclear how such faith can justify. But if faith is an inner fire that transforms a person, then works will necessarily become its consequence and manifestation. Works in themselves cannot justify not because they are unnecessary, since their uselessness is nowhere asserted, but because in the sinful world even the motivation for necessary and noble works may turn out to be base, and the works themselves, though they appear useful, may not in fact be so.
The thought that where there is no law, there is no transgression, like many of Paul's words, sounds paradoxical. But if so, why was the law given?
The law was given so that we would better recognize where evil is. The law itself is not primary; a good will to observe it is a consequence of faith. Fulfillment of the commandments of the law flows from trust in God. Formal legalism dries up the living bond with Him. But through faith the observance of the law can be given life.