Romans 4

Some believe that faith and believing are one of the same being a passive in nature.  But I have always felt that "faith" is as the Prophet Joseph Smith taught, a "principle of action".  In my mind, without active works, faith is non-existent.  In other words, righteousness and obedience are evidence of faith. 

One great example in scripture is the faith of Abraham.  Abraham's faith was not passive!  He demonstrated his faith as he was willing to sacrifice his son, Isaac.  Is there a greater example of faith.  Paul begins this argument with -

"WHAT shall we say then that Abraham our father, as pertaining to the flesh, hath found?
2 For if Abraham were justified by works, he hath whereof to glory; but not before God.
3 For what saith the scripture? Abraham believed God, and it was counted unto him for righteousness." (New Testament | Romans 4:1 - 3)

In my mind, Paul uses the term circumcision and uncircumcision as references to traditional Jews and the newly converted gentiles respectively.  Where many Jews continued to believe that they will be saved by obedience to the law of Moses, Paul is trying to teach that the law of Moses does not bring salvation.  Only faith in Jesus Christ, righteousness or obedience, and the saving grace of Jesus Christ...not the law or the law or works of the law of Moses for -

"...say that faith was reckoned to Abraham for righteousness.
10 How was it then reckoned? when he was in circumcision, or in uncircumcision? Not in circumcision, but in uncircumcision.
11 And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed unto them also..."  (New Testament | Romans 4:9 - 11)

"Therefore it is of faith, that it might be by grace; to the end the promise might 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..."  (New Testament | Romans 4:16)

Active Faith then as the Savior commanded during his ministry "If ye love me, keep my commandments. (New Testament | John 14:15)" is the condition for grace.