¹⁵ We are Jews by birth and not “Gentile sinners,” ¹⁶ and yet because we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law^(A) but by faith in Jesus Christ,^[a] even we ourselves have believed in Christ Jesus. This was so that we might be justified by faith in Christ^[b] and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no human being will^[c] be justified. ¹⁷ But if we ourselves are also found to be “sinners” while seeking to be justified by Christ,^(B) is Christ then a promoter^[d](C) of sin? Absolutely not!^{(D) 18} If I rebuild^(E) those things that I tore down, I show myself to be a lawbreaker.^{(F) 19} For through the law I died to the law,^(G) so that I might live for God.^{(H) 20} I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me.^(I) The life I now live in the body,^[e] I live by faith in the Son of God,^(J) who loved^(K) me^(L) and gave himself^(M) for me.^{(N) 21} I do not set aside the grace of God, for if righteousness comes through the law,^(O) then Christ died^(P) for nothing.

The Purpose of the Law

¹⁹ Why, then, was the law given?^(A) It was added for the sake of transgressions^[a] until the Seed to whom the promise was made would come. The law was put into effect through angels^(B) by means of a mediator.^{(C) 20} Now a mediator is not just for one person alone, but God is one.^{(D) 21} Is the law therefore contrary to God’s promises? Absolutely not! For if the law had been granted with the ability to give life, then righteousness would certainly be on the basis of the law. ²² But the Scripture imprisoned everything under sin’s power,^[b](E) so that the promise might be given on the basis of faith^(F) in Jesus Christ to those who believe.^{(G) 23} Before this faith^(H) came, we were confined under the law, imprisoned until the coming faith was revealed.^{(I) 24} The law, then, was our guardian until Christ,^(J) so that we could be justified by faith. ²⁵ But since that faith^(K) has come, we are no longer under a guardian, ²⁶ for through faith you are all sons of God in Christ Jesus.

Sons and Heirs

²⁷ For those of you who were baptized into Christ have been clothed with Christ.^{(L) 28} There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free,^(M) male and female;^(N) since you are all one^(O) in Christ Jesus. ²⁹ And if you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs^(P) according to the promise.^(Q)

4 Now I say that as long as the heir^(A) is a child, he differs in no way from a slave, though he is the owner^(B) of everything. ² Instead, he is under guardians and trustees until the time set by his father. ³ In the same way we also, when we were children, were in slavery under the elements^[a] of the world.^{(C) 4} When the time came to completion, God sent his Son,^(D) born of a woman,^(E) born under the law, ⁵ to redeem those under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.^{(F) 6} And because you are sons, God sent the Spirit of his Son^(G) into our^[b] hearts, crying, “Abba,^[c] Father!” ^{(H) 7} So you are no longer a slave^(I) but a son,^(J) and if a son, then God has made you an heir.^(K)

Freedom of the Christian

5 For freedom, Christ set us free. Stand firm,^(A) then, and don’t submit again to a yoke of slavery.^(B)

¹³ For you were called^(A) to be free, brothers and sisters; only don’t use this freedom as an opportunity^[a] for the flesh, but serve one another through love. ¹⁴ For the whole law is fulfilled^(B) in one statement: Love your neighbor as yourself.^{[b](C) 15} But if you bite and devour^(D) one another, watch out, or you will be consumed by one another.

The Spirit versus the Flesh

¹⁶ I say, then, walk by the Spirit^(E) and you will certainly not carry out the desire of the flesh. ¹⁷ For the flesh desires^(F) what is against the Spirit, and the Spirit desires what is against the flesh; these are opposed to each other, so that you don’t do what you want.^{(G) 18} But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the law.

¹⁹ Now the works of the flesh are obvious:^[c] sexual immorality,^(H) moral impurity,^(I) promiscuity,^{(J) 20} idolatry,^(K) sorcery,^(L) hatreds,^(M) strife,^(N) jealousy,^(O) outbursts of anger,^(P) selfish ambitions,^(Q) dissensions,^(R) factions,^{(S) 21} envy,^[d](T) drunkenness, carousing,^(U) and anything similar. I am warning you about these things—as I warned you before—that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God.^(V)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit^(W) is love,^(X) joy,^(Y) peace, patience,^(Z) kindness,^(AA) goodness, faithfulness, ²³ gentleness,^(AB) and self-control.^(AC) The law is not against such things.^{[e] 24} Now those who belong to Christ Jesus^(AD) have crucified the flesh^(AE) with its passions and desires.^{(AF) 25} If we live^(AG) by the Spirit, let us also keep in step with the Spirit.

The Abrahamic Covenant

15 After these events, the word of the Lord came^(A) to Abram in a vision:

your reward will be very great.

² But Abram said, “Lord God, what can you give me, since I am childless and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?” ^{[a] 3} Abram continued, “Look, you have given me no offspring, so a slave born in^[b] my house will be my heir.”

⁴ Now the word of the Lord came to him: “This one will not be your heir; instead, one who comes from your own body^[c] will be your heir.” ⁵ He took him outside and said, “Look at the sky and count the stars, if you are able to count them.” Then he said to him, “Your offspring will be that numerous.”^(D)

⁶ Abram believed the Lord, and he credited it to him as righteousness.^(E)

¹⁵ Then the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven ¹⁶ and said, “By myself I have sworn,”^(A) this is the Lord’s declaration: “Because you have done this thing and have not withheld your only son, ¹⁷ I will indeed bless you^(B) and make your offspring as numerous as the stars of the sky^(C) and the sand on the seashore.^(D) Your offspring will possess the city gates of their^[a] enemies.^{(E) 18} And all the nations of the earth will be blessed^[b] by your offspring^(F) because you have obeyed my command.”

Righteousness by Faith Alone

10 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God concerning them^[a] is for their salvation. ² I can testify about them that they have zeal for God,^(A) but not according to knowledge. ³ Since they are ignorant of the righteousness of God^(B) and attempted to establish their own righteousness, they have not submitted to God’s righteousness. ⁴ For Christ is the end^[b] of the law for righteousness^(C) to everyone who believes,^(D)