¹⁸ For if the inheritance depends on the law, then it no longer depends on the promise;^(A) but God in his grace gave it to Abraham through a promise.

¹² We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate^(A) those who through faith and patience^(B) inherit what has been promised.^(C)

The Certainty of God’s Promise

¹³ When God made his promise to Abraham, since there was no one greater for him to swear by, he swore by himself,^{(D) 14} saying, “I will surely bless you and give you many descendants.”^{[a](E) 15} And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised.^(F)

²¹ I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness could be gained through the law,^(A) Christ died for nothing!”^[a]

¹³ It was not through the law that Abraham and his offspring received the promise^(A) that he would be heir of the world,^(B) but through the righteousness that comes by faith.^{(C) 14} For if those who depend on the law are heirs, faith means nothing and the promise is worthless,^{(D) 15} because the law brings wrath.^(E) And where there is no law there is no transgression.^(F)

¹⁶ Therefore, the promise comes by faith, so that it may be by grace^(G) and may be guaranteed^(H) to all Abraham’s offspring—not only to those who are of the law but also to those who have the faith of Abraham. He is the father of us all.^(I)