²³ for all have sinned^(A) and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified^(B) freely by his grace^(C) through the redemption^(D) that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,^[a](E) through the shedding of his blood^(F)—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished^(G)— ²⁶ he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

⁴ Or do you show contempt for the riches^(A) of his kindness,^(B) forbearance^(C) and patience,^(D) not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?^(E)

⁵ But if our unrighteousness brings out God’s righteousness more clearly,^(A) what shall we say? That God is unjust in bringing his wrath on us? (I am using a human argument.)^{(B) 6} Certainly not! If that were so, how could God judge the world?^{(C) 7} Someone might argue, “If my falsehood enhances God’s truthfulness and so increases his glory,^(D) why am I still condemned as a sinner?”^{(E) 8} Why not say—as some slanderously claim that we say—“Let us do evil that good may result”?^(F) Their condemnation is just!

Dead to Sin, Alive in Christ

6 What shall we say, then?^(A) Shall we go on sinning so that grace may increase?^{(B) 2} By no means! We are those who have died to sin;^(C) how can we live in it any longer?

Life by the Spirit

¹³ You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free.^(A) But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh^[a];^(B) rather, serve one another^(C) humbly in love.

¹⁵ For this reason Christ is the mediator^(A) of a new covenant,^(B) that those who are called^(C) may receive the promised^(D) eternal inheritance^(E)—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.^(F)

¹⁶ Live as free people,^(A) but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil;^(B) live as God’s slaves.^(C)

² He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins,^(A) and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.^(B)