19 Now we know that whatever the law says(A) speaks to those who are subject to the law,[a](B) so that every mouth may be shut and the whole world may become subject to God’s judgment.[b](C) 20 For no one will be justified[c] in His sight by the works of the law,(D) because the knowledge of sin comes through the law.(E)

God’s Righteousness through Faith

21 But now, apart from the law, God’s righteousness has been revealed(F)—attested by the Law and the Prophets[d](G) 22 —that is, God’s righteousness through faith(H) in Jesus Christ,[e](I) to all who believe,(J) since there is no distinction.(K) 23 For all have sinned(L) and fall short of the[f] glory of God. 24 They are justified freely by His grace(M) through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.(N) 25 God presented Him as a propitiation[g](O) through faith in His blood,(P) to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God(Q) passed over the sins previously committed.(R) 26 God presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous[h] the one who has faith in Jesus.

Boasting Excluded

27 Where then is boasting?(S) It is excluded. By what kind of law?[i](T) By one of works? No, on the contrary, by a law[j] of faith. 28 For we conclude that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.(U) 29 Or is God for Jews only?(V) Is He not also for Gentiles? Yes, for Gentiles too, 30 since there is one God(W) who will justify the circumcised by faith(X) and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then cancel the law through faith? Absolutely not!(Y) On the contrary, we uphold the law.(Z)

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 3:19 Lit those in the law
  2. Romans 3:19 Or become guilty before God, or may be accountable to God
  3. Romans 3:20 Or will be declared righteous, or will be acquitted
  4. Romans 3:21 When capitalized, the Law and the Prophets = OT
  5. Romans 3:22 Or through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ
  6. Romans 3:23 Or and lack the
  7. Romans 3:25 Or as a propitiatory sacrifice, or as an offering of atonement, or as a mercy seat; 2Co 5:21; Heb 9:5
  8. Romans 3:26 Or and justify, or and acquit
  9. Romans 3:27 Or what principle?
  10. Romans 3:27 Or a principle

The Promise Granted through Faith

13 For the promise to Abraham(A) or to his descendants that he would inherit the world(B) was not through the law, but through the righteousness that comes by faith.[a] 14 If those who are of the law are heirs,(C) faith is made empty and the promise is canceled. 15 For the law produces wrath.(D) And where there is no law,(E) there is no transgression.

16 This is why the promise is by faith, so that it may be according to grace,(F) to guarantee it to all the descendants(G)—not only to those who are of the law[b] but also to those who are of Abraham’s faith. He is the father of us all

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:13 Lit righteousness of faith
  2. Romans 4:16 Or not to those who are of the law only

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