Romans 4:9-25 "The Promise Granted Through Faith"

Paul furthers his case for justification by faith alone, and not by works, by demonstrating that Abraham was justified 14 years prior to receiving the religious rite of circumcision (a sign many Jews believed saved them). The only way for the promise of justification to be sure, was for God to offer it freely as a gift (grace) received through faith, and not contingent upon the work of keeping the law.