In Romans 4, Paul illustrates the truth he indicated toward the end of chapter 3 that people are justified apart from the law and apart from works (3:20-31). Abraham is cited as proof that God justifies people by faith apart from the works of the law including circumcision. It is fascinating that what Abraham believed about God in order to be justified is what we must believe. Abraham believed God would give life to the dead in granting His promise of a son to him and Sarah. Abraham’s body was “dead” in terms of his ability to produce a son, and Sarah’s womb was “dead” in terms of her ability to conceive a son (Rom.4:17-19). It was God’s promise of a son that Abraham believed and was justified! God gave “life” to this dead couple! We too must believe God as the one Who gave life if we are to be justified! We must believe God gave life to His Son after He died for our sins! God “… raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead, who was delivered up because of our offenses, and was raised because of our justification” (see Rom.4:24-25).