Why was Abraham counted righteous without doing anything, unlike the other men of faith?
Abraham was counted righteous because God imputed righteousness when He saw Abraham's simple faith, before Abraham performed any sacrificial work. Unlike Abel, Noah, and other heroes whose faith was joined to human works such as offerings or building, Abraham simply believed God, and righteousness was credited without works.
Les teaches that Hebrews 11 shows Abel offered a more excellent sacrifice and Noah built an ark, so their faith was connected with something they did. He calls this faith plus. By contrast, Abraham never offered a sacrifice until years later; he did not do anything, he just simply believed God. God saw that man's faith and imputed righteousness. Les says all those other heroes of faith were also attached to some kind of human work. The same applies to us: without doing a thing, we simply believe that Christ died for us and was raised in resurrection power, and that is what God is looking for.
And he believed in the LORD; and he counted it to him for righteousness.