Romans 4:1-3

Romans 4:1-3 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?  If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.  What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”

What about the people who lived before Christ came?  What about Abraham… how was he justified and made righteous in the sight of God?  In this passage Paul refers to Genesis 15:6, which states that Abraham believed God and it was credited to him as righteousness.  Sin still had to be atoned for in the person and work of Jesus Christ in the fullness of time but Abraham was declared righteous because of faith… not works.