²⁰ Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law;^(A) rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.^(B)

²⁷ Where, then, is boasting?^(A) It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. ²⁸ For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.^(B)

² If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.^(A)

⁶ David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

¹² not by works but by him who calls—she was told, “The older will serve the younger.”^[a](A)

³² Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but as if it were by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone.^(A)