IS JUSTIFICATION CONDITIONED ON FAITH OR FAITH ON JUSTIFICATION?

“But for us also, to whom it shall be imputed, if we believe on him that raised up Jesus our Lord from the dead;” Romans 4:24

From the translation of this verse, it would seem that God justifies the sinner on the condition of his believing. However, the original reads as follows, “But also on account of us, to whom it applies (present, active tense), to those who are believing (present tense) on Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead.”  What applies? The same righteousness of Christ that was imputed to Abraham (Romans 3:23) APPLIES to each of the Lord’s redeemed.  The justification of the elect before God took place at the cross, Romans 4:25. It was there that the sins of His people were laid to Christ, and Christ’s righteousness was put to their account, 2 Cor. 5:21.  Romans 4:24 simply addresses those to whom the Lord has already granted faith and believe, as did Abraham. They share the same ground of justification as He did- the blood and righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ!  Faith is the evidence, not the cause!