Abraham Justified by Faith

4 What then shall we say^(A) that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh,^(B) discovered in this matter? ² If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.^{(C) 3} What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”^[a](D)

⁴ Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift^(E) but as an obligation. ⁵ However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.^(F)

²¹ Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?^{(A) 22} You see that his faith and his actions were working together,^(B) and his faith was made complete by what he did.^{(C) 23} And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,”^[a](D) and he was called God’s friend.^{(E) 24} You see that a person is considered righteous by what they do and not by faith alone.