Faith Against All Odds

^[13] It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise that he would be heir of the world, but through the righteousness that comes by faith. ^[14] For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless, ^[15] because the law brings wrath. And where there is no law there is no transgression. ^[16] Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace and may be guaranteed 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. ^[17] As it is written: “I have made you a father of many nations.” He is our father in the sight of God, in whom he believed-the God who gives life to the dead and calls into being things that were not. ^[18] Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” ^[19] Without weakening in his faith, he faced the fact that his body was as good as dead-since he was about a hundred years old-and that Sarah’s womb was also dead. ^[20] Yet he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith and gave glory to God, ^[21] being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. ^[22] This is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.” ^[23] The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, ^[24] but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness-for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. ^[25] He was delivered over to death for our sins and was raised to life for our justification.

Scripture taken from the THE HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION, NIV Copyright &copy 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.&reg Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.