How do we know that righteousness is received through faith?

The concept of righteousness received through faith is key to understanding how salvation works in a sovereign grace framework. Abraham is presented in Genesis 15:6 as the archetypal believer, who, by trusting in God's promises, had righteousness counted to him. His faith was directed not merely at the promise of a son but, as the Apostle Paul explains, towards the ultimate seed, Christ. Righteousness is not something that is earned; it is a gift that is received through faith. Believers today are called to place their complete trust in Christ, acknowledging that their righteousness is derived solely from His perfect life and atoning sacrifice, rather than from their own actions or merits. This principle emphasizes that faith itself does not grant righteousness—rather, faith is the means by which one accepts the righteousness that has already been accomplished by Christ.