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)

Righteousness Through Faith

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God^(C) has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.^{(D) 22} This righteousness^(E) is given through faith^(F) in^[a] Jesus Christ^(G) to all who believe.^(H) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,^{(I) 23} for all have sinned^(J) and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified^(K) freely by his grace^(L) through the redemption^(M) that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,^[b](N) through the shedding of his blood^(O)—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished^(P)— 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.