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The Example of Abraham

What then are we to say was gained by[a] Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.(A) For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed[b] God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.”(B) Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due.(C) But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness.

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Footnotes

  1. 4.1 Other ancient authorities read say about
  2. 4.3 Or trusted in

Abraham Justified by Faith

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

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

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Footnotes

  1. Romans 4:3 Gen. 15:6; also in verse 22

Just as Abraham “believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,”(A) so, you see, those who believe are the descendants of Abraham. And the scripture, foreseeing that God would reckon as righteous the gentiles by faith, declared the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “All the gentiles shall be blessed in you.”(B) For this reason, those who believe are blessed with Abraham who believed.

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So also Abraham “believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”[a](A)

Understand, then, that those who have faith(B) are children of Abraham.(C) Scripture foresaw that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, and announced the gospel in advance to Abraham: “All nations will be blessed through you.”[b](D) So those who rely on faith(E) are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.(F)

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Footnotes

  1. Galatians 3:6 Gen. 15:6
  2. Galatians 3:8 Gen. 12:3; 18:18; 22:18