004:014 For if it is the righteous through Law who are heirs,
then faith is useless and the promise counts for nothing.
004:015 For the Law inflicts punishment; but where no Law exists,
there can be no violation of Law.
004:016 All depends on faith, and for this reason—that acceptance
with God might be an act of pure grace,
004:017 so that the promise should be made sure to all Abraham's true descendants; not merely to those who are righteous through the Law, but to those who are righteous through a faith like that of Abraham. Thus in the sight of God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and makes reference to things that do not exist, as though they did, Abraham is the forefather of all of us. As it is written, "I have appointed you to be the forefather of many nations."
004:018 Under utterly hopeless circumstances he hopefully believed, so that he might become the forefather of many nations, in agreement with the words "Equally numerous shall your posterity be."
004:019 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital powers which had now decayed—for he was nearly 100 years old—and Sarah's barrenness.
004:020 Nor did he in unbelief stagger at God's promise, but became
mighty in faith, giving glory to God,
004:021 and being absolutely certain that whatever promise He is bound
by He is able also to make good.
004:022 For this reason also his faith was placed to his
credit as righteousness.
004:023 Nor was the fact of its being placed to his credit put on record
for his sake only;