² If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.^{(A) 3} What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”^[a](B)

⁴ Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift^(C) but as an obligation. ⁵ However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.^(D)

¹⁶ Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace^(A) and may be guaranteed^(B) to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.^{(C) 17} As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.”^[a](D) He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed—the God who gives life^(E) to the dead and calls^(F) into being things that were not.^(G)

¹⁸ Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations,^(H) just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.”^{[b](I) 19} Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead^(J)—since he was about a hundred years old^(K)—and that Sarah’s womb was also dead.^{(L) 20} Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened^(M) in his faith and gave glory to God,^{(N) 21} being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised.^{(O) 22} This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”^{(P) 23} The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, ²⁴ but also for us,^(Q) to whom God will credit righteousness—for us who believe in him^(R) who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.^{(S) 25} He was delivered over to death for our sins^(T) and was raised to life for our justification.^(U)