¹⁹ Now we know that whatever the law says,^(A) it says to those who are under the law,^(B) so that every mouth may be silenced^(C) and the whole world held accountable to God.^{(D) 20} Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law;^(E) rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.^(F)

Righteousness Through Faith

²¹ But now apart from the law the righteousness of God^(G) has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.^{(H) 22} This righteousness^(I) is given through faith^(J) in^[a] Jesus Christ^(K) to all who believe.^(L) There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,^{(M) 23} for all have sinned^(N) and fall short of the glory of God, ²⁴ and all are justified^(O) freely by his grace^(P) through the redemption^(Q) that came by Christ Jesus. ²⁵ God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,^[b](R) through the shedding of his blood^(S)—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished^(T)— ²⁶ he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.

²⁷ Where, then, is boasting?^(U) It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. ²⁸ For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.^(V)

⁸ For it is by grace^(A) you have been saved,^(B) through faith^(C)—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[a](B) to be saved^(C) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(D) and through belief in the truth.

⁴ But when the kindness^(A) and love of God our Savior^(B) appeared,^{(C) 5} he saved us,^(D) not because of righteous things we had done,^(E) but because of his mercy.^(F) He saved us through the washing^(G) of rebirth and renewal^(H) by the Holy Spirit, ⁶ whom he poured out on us^(I) generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, ⁷ so that, having been justified by his grace,^(J) we might become heirs^(K) having the hope^(L) of eternal life.^{(M) 8} This is a trustworthy saying.^(N) And I want you to stress these things, so that those who have trusted in God may be careful to devote themselves to doing what is good.^(O) These things are excellent and profitable for everyone.

⁸ Though you have not seen him, you love him; and even though you do not see him now, you believe in him^(A) and are filled with an inexpressible and glorious joy, ⁹ for you are receiving the end result of your faith, the salvation of your souls.^(B)