⁹ not the result of works, so that no one may boast.

⁹ who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,^[a](A)

⁶ But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.^[a](A)

³ For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, despicable, hating one another.^{(A) 4} But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared,^{(B) 5} he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water^[a] of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.^(C)

¹⁶ So it depends not on human will or exertion but on God who shows mercy.

²⁹ so that no one^[a] might boast in the presence of God.^{(A) 30} In contrast, God is why you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,^{(B) 31} in order that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in^[b] the Lord.”^(C)

² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.^(A)

¹¹ even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue,

²⁷ Then what becomes of boasting? It is excluded. Through what kind of law? That of works? No, rather through the law of faith.^{(A) 28} For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from works prescribed by the law.^(B)

²⁰ For no human will be justified before him by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.^(A)