Romans 4:9-17

God's plan for salvation has always been through faith alone, as demonstrated through Abraham's story. He was declared righteous by God before any religious ceremonies or laws were given, simply because he trusted God. This truth creates unity among believers across all cultural, ethnic, and social boundaries. External religious expressions should reflect an existing relationship with God through faith, not attempt to create one. This fundamental principle reminds us that we bring nothing to our salvation except trust in Jesus Christ.