²⁸ For we hold that one is justified by faith ^(A)apart from works of the law.

²¹ Is the law then contrary to the promises of God? Certainly not! For ^(A)if a law had been given that could give life, then righteousness would indeed be by the law. ²² But the Scripture ^(B)imprisoned everything under sin, so that ^(C)the promise by faith in Jesus Christ might be given ^(D)to those who believe.

The Law and Sin

⁷ What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, ^(A)I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if ^(B)the law had not said, “You shall not covet.”