Why “Calling Things That Are Not” Is Often Misunderstood
Romans 4:17 is a verse that is frequently quoted, but often misunderstood. It is commonly used to support the idea that believers can speak things into existence by faith. While Scripture does speak about faith and confession, this passage is not teaching a formula for creating reality with our words.
To understand Romans 4:17 correctly, we must read it in context and keep the focus where Scripture places it. Not on human speech, but on the power and faithfulness of God.
The Common Misconception
The phrase “calling things that are not as though they were” is often interpreted as permission for believers to declare outcomes into existence, even when those outcomes are not grounded in God’s revealed will. This interpretation leans heavily toward positive confession theology, where faith is treated as a tool and words are viewed as creative forces.
That is not what Paul is teaching.
The Biblical Context
Romans 4 is centered on Abraham and the nature of saving faith. Paul is explaining how Abraham was justified by faith, not by works, and how God’s promises were fulfilled despite impossible circumstances.
Romans 4:17 states:
“As it is written: I have made you a father of many nations. He is our father in God’s sight, in whom he believed, the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being what does not exist.” (CSB)
The subject of the sentence is God. Not Abraham. Not believers in general.
God is the One who gives life to the dead. God is the One who calls into being what does not exist.
What the Verse Is Actually Teaching
Paul is highlighting the object of Abraham’s faith. Abraham did not believe in his own ability, his own words, or his own strength. He believed God, who had already spoken the promise.
God declared Abraham to be the father of many nations before Isaac was born. From a human standpoint, that declaration made no sense. Abraham and Sarah were beyond childbearing years, and Sarah was barren. Yet God spoke, and His word was certain.
Abraham’s faith was not about pretending circumstances were different. It was about trusting God’s promise in the face of reality.
Why This Matters
Romans 4:17 does not instruct believers to speak things into existence. It teaches believers to trust the God who already speaks with authority and power.
Faith, biblically defined, is not denying what we see. It is trusting what God has said.
Paul makes this clear later in the chapter when he writes that Abraham did not waver in unbelief but was strengthened in his faith because he was fully convinced that what God had promised, He was also able to do (Romans 4:20–21).
A Proper Application
The application of Romans 4:17 is not about creating outcomes with our words. It is about resting in the faithfulness of God when circumstances appear hopeless.
Believers are called to trust God’s promises, submit to His will, and rely on His power. We do not speak reality into existence. God does.
When we understand this passage correctly, it guards us from misplaced faith in ourselves and anchors our hope firmly in the character and sovereignty of God.
Romans 4:17 ultimately points us away from human ability and toward divine power. That is where true biblical faith has always belonged.
