17. as the scripture says, “I have made you father of many nations.” So the promise is good in the sight of God, in whom Abraham believed — the God who brings the dead to life and whose command brings into being what did not exist.
18. Abraham believed and hoped, even when there was no reason for hoping, and so became “the father of many nations.” Just as the scripture says, “Your descendants will be as many as the stars.”
19. He was then almost 100 years old; but his faith did not weaken when he thought of his body, which was already practically dead, or of the fact that Sarah could not have children.
20. His faith did not leave him, and he did not doubt God's promise; his faith filled him with power, and he gave praise to God.
21. He was absolutely sure that God would be able to do what he had promised.
22. That is why Abraham, through faith, “was accepted as righteous by God”.
23. The words “he was accepted as righteous” were not written for him alone.
24. They were written also for us who are to be accepted as righteous, who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from death.
25. Because of our sins he was handed over to die, and he was raised to life in order to put us right with God.