as the prerequisite for justification. In chapter 4 Paul showed that Abraham’s belief in the promises of God was reckoned to him as righteousness, and he emphasized that Scripture records this fact for the benefit of all who similarly believe. The faith of those whom God justifies is faith like that of Abraham; faith that takes God at his word, believing the gospel of God concerning his Son, and accepting his promise of salvation. This they do without claiming any merit of their own. They are the
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