Romans

Genesis 15:6 says, “And he [Abraham] believed the Lord; and the Lord reckoned it to him as righteousness.” Many assume that in the OT it was through works that people were made righteous but even before the law came about faith was of primary importance (as it was with the law).

Romans 4:3-5 says, ‘For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who without works trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.’

Thomas Schreiner in his commentary on Romans says, ‘Paul specifically and emphatically contrasts “working” and “believing” in verses 4-5.’ And, ‘”Working is the result of one’s own capability, but “believing” relies on another… Working involves doing, while the genius of belief is receiving.’

Later on he quotes Adolf Schlatter as saying, “He [Abraham] does not believe in spite of his inability, but he believes because of it;” Then Schreiner says, “The full assurance in Abraham’s faith did not stem from his unusual abilities. Its origins lay in contemplating the power of God, for He surely has the power to accomplish what he has promised.” (Romans 4:20-21)

…faith is not merely an attitude—it is also the response to God’s specific promises. In Abraham’s case, his faith answers the divine word, ‘So shall your offspring be.’ Faith is not content-less humility that places our hope in a higher power. No, in faith we answer the divine word and its specific verbal content. God speaks, and we believe in him in response to his word.

–Simon Gathercole