Seeking to demonstrate his third chapter claims to be true, Paul argues that Abraham was justified not by works but by faith. Forgiveness then is not a debt of God’s to be paid but purely of His grace. The external rite of circumcision also does not save since Abraham was declared righteous prior to being circumcised. As such, Abraham is Father of both the circumcised and uncircumcised that have faith. The promise made to Abraham cannot be on the basis of law lest faith become meaningless, and the promise fail entirely since no one can keep the law. The promise instead depends on faith, and as such, Abraham is Father of both the one with and without the law that have faith. Abraham continued to demonstrate this faith in God keeping His covenant even when it was impossible from a human perspective. This faith-based justification is not just for Abraham, but rather, it is now for us too who will be justified by faith alone in the work of God through Jesus Christ both on the cross and in His resurrection.
