What happensPermalink
Paul points to Abraham to show that justification comes through faith, not through works or rituals like circumcision. Abraham trusted God’s promise that he would become the father of many nations, despite his and Sarah’s old age. Circumcision was given later as a sign of his existing faith. Just as Abraham’s faith was counted to him as righteousness, our faith in God—who raised Jesus from the dead—is also counted to us as righteousness.
Why it mattersPermalink
Paul anchors his argument in Genesis 15:6 to show justification by faith is foundational throughout Scripture. He connects God’s power at creation (v.17) and His promise to Abraham (Genesis 17:5) with our faith in Jesus’s resurrection. Abraham’s promised inheritance goes beyond the Promised Land, pointing forward to the ultimate inheritance—the new heavens and new earth (Hebrews 11; Revelation 21–22).
Key versePermalink
For the promise to Abraham and his offspring that he would be heir of the world did not come through the law but through the righteousness of faith.