²³ And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”^[a](A) and he was called God’s friend.^(B)

²⁴ “He himself bore our sins”^(A) in his body on the cross,^(B) so that we might die to sins^(C) and live for righteousness; “by his wounds you have been healed.”^(D)

1 Simon Peter, a servant^(A) and apostle of Jesus Christ,^(B)

To those who through the righteousness^(C) of our God and Savior Jesus Christ^(D) have received a faith as precious as ours:

¹⁷ For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed^(A)—a righteousness that is by faith^(B) from first to last,^[a] just as it is written: “The righteous will live by faith.”^[b](C)

Righteousness Through Faith

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God^(A) has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.^{(B) 22} This righteousness^(C) is given through faith^(D) in^[a] Jesus Christ^(E) to all who believe.^(F) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,^{(G) 23} for all have sinned^(H) and fall short of the glory of God,

¹³ It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise^(A) that he would be heir of the world,^(B) but through the righteousness that comes by faith.^(C)

¹⁷ For if, by the trespass of the one man, death^(A) reigned through that one man, how much more will those who receive God’s abundant provision of grace and of the gift of righteousness reign in life^(B) through the one man, Jesus Christ!

¹⁸ Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people,^(C) so also one righteous act resulted in justification^(D) and life^(E) for all people. ¹⁹ For just as through the disobedience of the one man^(F) the many were made sinners,^(G) so also through the obedience^(H) of the one man the many will be made righteous.

²⁰ The law was brought in so that the trespass might increase.^(I) But where sin increased, grace increased all the more,^{(J) 21} so that, just as sin reigned in death,^(K) so also grace^(L) might reign through righteousness to bring eternal life^(M) through Jesus Christ our Lord.

¹⁶ Don’t you know that when you offer yourselves to someone as obedient slaves, you are slaves of the one you obey^(A)—whether you are slaves to sin,^(B) which leads to death,^(C) or to obedience, which leads to righteousness? ¹⁷ But thanks be to God^(D) that, though you used to be slaves to sin,^(E) you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching^(F) that has now claimed your allegiance. ¹⁸ You have been set free from sin^(G) and have become slaves to righteousness.^(H)

¹⁹ I am using an example from everyday life^(I) because of your human limitations. Just as you used to offer yourselves as slaves to impurity and to ever-increasing wickedness, so now offer yourselves as slaves to righteousness^(J) leading to holiness. ²⁰ When you were slaves to sin,^(K) you were free from the control of righteousness.^(L)

² Do not conform^(A) to the pattern of this world,^(B) but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.^(C) Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is^(D)—his good, pleasing^(E) and perfect will.