²¹ I do not set aside the grace of God; for ^(A)if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died ^[a]in vain.”

⁶ And ^(A)if by grace, then it is no longer of works; otherwise grace is no longer grace. ^[a]But if it is of works, it is no longer grace; otherwise work is no longer work.

²¹ Is the law then against the promises of God? Certainly not! For if there had been a law given which could have given life, truly righteousness would have been by the law.

Need for a New Priesthood^(A)

^11 (B)Therefore, if perfection were through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need was there that another priest should rise according to the order of Melchizedek, and not be called according to the order of Aaron?

¹⁴ And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty and your faith is also empty.

² Indeed I, Paul, say to you that ^(A)if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. ³ And I testify again to every man who becomes circumcised ^(B)that he is ^[a]a debtor to keep the whole law. ^4 (C)You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; ^(D)you have fallen from grace.

^16 (A)knowing that a man is not ^[a]justified by the works of the law but ^(B)by faith in Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, that we might be justified by faith in Christ and not ^(C)by the works of the law; for by the works of the law no flesh shall be justified.

³ For they being ignorant of ^(A)God’s righteousness, and seeking to establish their own ^(B)righteousness, have not submitted to the righteousness of God.