Imputation of Sins

Having shown from the life of Abraham, as an example set forth to those who saw circumcision as the great dividing line between those who have found favor with the Lord and those who have not, that Abraham is not example of the necessity of circumcision to be counted righteous, but rather faith, and so circumcision as an act of obedience which follows. Abraham believed, and that was what was credited to him as righteousness (Gen. 15:6). This belief or faith was in the promise of God, faith not being itself the first good work, but rather a resting in and receiving the righteousness that comes through the promised Messiah. The Messiah's working, His atoning work of giving his own flesh and blood in place of ours - that is what makes a man worthy before the Throne.