As the Galatians were confused about their relationship to the law and Abraham the father of Israel, Paul looks back to Abraham's being declared righteous. Was it by the law? Or faith? Abraham was counted righteous in Genesis 15:6 by simply trusting God's promise. By this same pattern we are counted righteous today when we trust exclusively in what Christ has done for our eternal soul's salvation. We are justified by faith. Abraham is not only the father of Israel, but all those who believe God.