004:017 so that the promise should be made sure to all Abraham's true descendants; not merely to those who are righteous through the Law, but to those who are righteous through a faith like that of Abraham. Thus in the sight of God in whom he believed, who gives life to the dead and makes reference to things that do not exist, as though they did, Abraham is the forefather of all of us. As it is written, "I have appointed you to be the forefather of many nations." 004:018 Under utterly hopeless circumstances he hopefully believed, so that he might become the forefather of many nations, in agreement with the words "Equally numerous shall your posterity be." 004:019 And, without growing weak in faith, he could contemplate his own vital powers which had now decayed--for he was nearly 100 years old--and Sarah's barrenness. 004:020 Nor did he in unbelief stagger at God's promise, but became mighty in faith, giving glory to God, 004:021 and being absolutely certain that whatever promise He is bound by He is able also to make good. 004:022 For this reason also his faith was placed to his credit as righteousness. 004:023 Nor was the fact of its being placed to his credit put on record for his sake only; 004:024 it was for our sakes too. Faith, before long, will be placed to the credit of us also who are believers in Him who raised Jesus, our Lord, from the dead, 004:025 who was surrendered to death because of the offences we had committed, and was raised to life because of the acquittal secured for us. 005:001 Standing then acquitted as the result of faith, let us enjoy peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, 005:002 through whom also, as the result of faith, we have obtained an introduction into that state of favour with God in which we stand, and we exult in hope of some day sharing in God's glory. 005:003 And not only so: we also exult in our sufferings, knowing as we do, that suffering produces fortitude; 005:004 fortitude, ripeness of character; and ripeness of character, hope; 005:005 and that this hope never disappoints, because God's love for us floods our hearts through the Holy Spirit who has been given to us. 005:006 For already, while we were still helpless, Christ at the right moment died for the ungodly. 005:007 Why, it is scarcely conceivable that any one would die for a simply just man, although for a good and lovable man perhaps some one, here and there, will have the courage even to lay down his life. 005:008 But God gives proof of His love to us in Christ's dying for us while we were still sinners. 005:009 If therefore we have now been pronounced free from guilt through His blood, much more shall we be delivered from God's anger through Him.