Christ died for sinners; not only such as were useless, but such as were guilty and hateful; such that their everlasting destruction would be to the glory of God's justice.  Christ died to save us, not in our sins, but from our sins; and we were yet sinners when he died for us.  Nay, the carnal mind is not only an enemy to God, but enmity itself, Rom 8:7; Col 1:21.  But God designed to deliver from sin, and to work a great change.  While the sinful state continues, God loathes the sinner, and the sinner loathes God, Zec 11:8.  And that for such as these Christ should die, is a mystery; no other such an instance of love is known, so that it may well be the employment of eternity to adore and wonder at it. (Matthew Henry)

The foundation of hope is an assured testimony of the conscience, by the gift of the Holy Spirit, that we are loved by God, and this is nothing else but that which we call faith, from which it follows that through faith our consciences are quieted. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

And patience experience,.... As tribulations tend to exercise and increase patience, so patience being exercised and increased, enlarges the saints' stock and fund of experience; of the love and grace of God communicated to them at such seasons; of his faithfulness in fulfilling his promises; of his power in supporting them; and of their own frailty and weakness; and so are taught humility, thankfulness, and resignation to the will of God:

 

and experience, hope; hope is a gift of God's grace, and is implanted in regeneration, but abounds, increases, and becomes more strong and lively by experience of the love, grace, mercy, power, and faithfulness of God. (Dr. John Gill)
 

Tribulation itself gives us different and various occasions to rejoice, and more than this it does not make us miserable.  Afflictions make us use to being patient, and patience assures us of the goodness of God, and this experience confirms and fosters our hope, which never deceives us. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

Remark here also the difference of Abraham's faith and ours.  He believed God could perform what He promised.  We are called to believe He has performed. (Dr. John Darby)

THROUGH false emphasis by many religious leaders, Christianity has become in the estimation of a large part of the public no more than an ethical system.  The revealed fact, however, is that the supreme feature of the Christian faith is that supernatural, saving, transforming work of God, which is made possible through the infinite sacrifice of Christ and which, in sovereign grace, is freely bestowed on all who believe.  Dr. Lewis Sperry Chafer, Grace

Who was delivered up to death as a sacrifice for our sins; for in what other way, or for what other purpose could He, who is innocence itself, be delivered for our offenses? (Dr. Adam Clarke)

...that we might have an example of the way in which people may be accepted of God.  It is recorded for our encouragement and imitation, to show that we may in a similar manner be accepted and saved. (Dr. Albert Barnes)

The record of this extraordinary faith was not made on his account only; but it was made to show the way in which men may be regarded and treated as righteous by God. If Abraham was so regarded and treated, then, on the same principle, all others may be. God has but one mode of justifying people. (Dr. Albert Barnes)

His faith was so implicit, and so unwavering, that it was a demonstration that he was the firm friend of God. He was tried, and he had such confidence in God that he showed that he was supremely attached to him, and would obey and serve him. This was reckoned as a full proof of friendship; and he was recognized and treated as righteous; that is, as the friend of God. (Dr. Albert Barnes)

And being fully persuaded - πληροφορηθεις, his measure: his soul was full of confidence, that the truth of God bound him to fulfill his promise and his power enabled him to do it. (Dr. Adam Clarke)

Giving honor to God by the firmness with which he believed his promises.  His conduct was Such as to honor God; that is, to show Abraham’s conviction that he was worthy of implicit confidence and trust. In this way all who believe in the promises of God do honor to him.  They bear testimony to him that he is worthy of confidence. They become so many witnesses in his favor; and furnish to their fellow-men evidence that God has a claim on the credence and trust of mankind. (Dr. Albert Barnes)

Many excuse themselves from the work of religion, though they may make a show, and profess it.  They may impose upon others, yet they deceive themselves if they think to impose upon God, who knows their hearts as well as actions; and as he cannot be deceived, so he will not be mocked.  Our present time is seed time; in the other world we shall reap as we sow now.  As there are two sorts of sowing, one to the flesh, and the other to the Spirit, so will the reckoning be hereafter.  Those who live a carnal, sensual life, must expect no other fruit from such a course than misery and ruin.  But those who, under the guidance and influences of the Holy Spirit, live a life of faith in Christ, and abound in Christian graces, shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting.  We are all very apt to tire in duty, particularly in doing good.  This we should carefully watch and guard against.  Only to perseverance i

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A description of true faith wholly resting in the power of God, and his good will, set forth in the example of Abraham. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

We oftentimes believe but are we convinced?

The conclusion of this argument: the salvation and justification of the posterity of Abraham (that is, of the Church which is composed of all believers) proceeds from faith which lays hold on the promise made to Abraham, and which promise Abraham himself first of all laid hold on. (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

"A reason of the first confirmation, why the promise cannot be apprehended by the law: because the law does not reconcile God and us, but rather proclaims his anger against us, because no man can fully keep it."  (Geneva Bible Translation Notes)

For if they which are of the law - Who seek for justification and acceptance by the Law.  Faith is made void - Faith would have no place in the scheme; and consequently the strong commendations bestowed on the faith of Abraham, would be bestowed without any just cause.  If people are justified by the Law, they cannot be by faith, and faith would be useless in this work.  (Dr. Albert Barnes)