Romans 4:13-24

Holman Christian Standard Bible

The Promise Granted through Faith

¹³ For the promise to Abraham^(A) or to his descendants that he would inherit the world^(B) was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.^{[a] 14} If those who are of the law are heirs,^(C) faith is made empty and the promise is canceled. ¹⁵ For the law produces wrath.^(D) And where there is no law,^(E) there is no transgression.

¹⁶ This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace,^(F) to guarantee it to all the descendants^(G)—not only to those who are of the law^[b] but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all ¹⁷ in God’s sight. As it is written: I have made you the father of many nations.^(H)[c] He believed in God, who gives life to the dead^(I) and calls^(J) things into existence that do not exist.^{(K) 18} He believed, hoping against hope, so that he became the father of many nations^(L)[d] according to what had been spoken: So will your descendants be.^{(M)[e] 19} He considered^[f] his own body to be already dead^(N) (since he was about 100 years old)^(O) and also considered the deadness of Sarah’s womb,^(P) without weakening in the faith. ²⁰ He did not waver in unbelief at God’s promise but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God,^{(Q) 21} because he was fully convinced^(R) that what He had promised He was also able to perform.^{(S) 22} Therefore, it was credited to him for righteousness.^{(T)[g] 23} Now it was credited to him was not written for Abraham alone,^{(U) 24} but also for us. It will be credited to us who believe in Him^(V) who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.^(W)