What is the significance of faith in the Old Testament covenants?

In the context of the Old Testament covenants, faith plays an essential role in establishing the relationship between God and His people. Whether it's Abraham believing God’s promise for descendants or the Israelites embracing the promise of the land, it illustrates that righteousness is not based on human merit but on faith in God's word (Genesis 15:6). This foreshadows the New Testament revelation that all who believe in Christ are counted as righteous. Thus, the theme of faith as the means of acceptance before God is woven throughout the covenants, culminating in the apostles' doctrine that emphasizes faith as the sole means of justification.