²⁰ For no ^[a]person will be justified [freed of guilt and declared righteous] in His sight by [trying to do] the works of the Law. For through the Law we become conscious of sin [and the recognition of sin directs us toward repentance, but provides no remedy for sin].

⁸ For it is by grace [God’s remarkable compassion and favor drawing you to Christ] that you have been saved [actually delivered from judgment and given eternal life] through faith. And this [salvation] is not of yourselves [not through your own effort], but it is the [undeserved, gracious] gift of God; ⁹ not as a result of [your] works [nor your attempts to keep the Law], so that no one will [be able to] boast or take credit in any way [for his salvation].

⁵ and from Jesus Christ, the ^[a]faithful and trustworthy Witness, the ^[b]Firstborn of the dead, and the Ruler of the kings of the earth. To Him who [always] loves us and who [has once for all] ^[c]freed us [or washed us] from our sins by His own blood (His sacrificial death)—^(A)