⁹ not by works,^(A) so that no one can boast.^(B)

⁹ He has saved^(A) us and called^(B) us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done^(C) but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,

⁶ And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works;^(A) if it were, grace would no longer be grace.

³ At one time^(A) we too were foolish, disobedient, deceived and enslaved by all kinds of passions and pleasures. We lived in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another. ⁴ But when the kindness^(B) and love of God our Savior^(C) appeared,^{(D) 5} he saved us,^(E) not because of righteous things we had done,^(F) but because of his mercy.^(G) He saved us through the washing^(H) of rebirth and renewal^(I) by the Holy Spirit,

¹⁶ It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.^(A)

²⁹ so that no one may boast before him.^{(A) 30} It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus,^(B) who has become for us wisdom from God—that is, our righteousness,^(C) holiness^(D) and redemption.^{(E) 31} Therefore, as it is written: “Let the one who boasts boast in the Lord.”^[a](F)

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)

¹¹ Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad^(A)—in order that God’s purpose^(B) in election might stand:

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