Romans 4:16

Romans 4:16 For this cause it is of faith, that it may be according to grace; to the end that the promise may be sure to all the seed; not to that only which is of the law, but to that also which is of the faith of Abraham, who is the father of us all

'For this cause' -'For this reason' (NASV); 'That it why it depends on faith' (RSV); 'The promise was made on the ground of faith' (NEB).

A system of perfect law-keeping couldn't dispense forgiveness or God's promises (Romans 4:13-15); that is the reason that such forgiveness and promises were to be made available on the basis of faith (again, faith in the whole book is. faith that obeys).

'to the end' -'in order that' (NASV). And why did God make it. matter of grace through faith?

'that the promise may be sure to all the seed'

'Sure' -'certain' (NASV). God didn't set it up this way to spite the Jews, but rather so that it would be within reach of every Jew and Gentile. Rightness with God based on. system of obedient faith and grace ENSURES that all who want it, CAN OBTAIN IT. Rightness with God based on perfect law-keeping ensures that absolutely nobody will obtain it (Romans 3:23).