Romans 3:20-4:5

English Standard Version

²⁰ For ^(A)by works of the law no human being^[a] will be justified in his sight, since ^(B)through the law comes knowledge of sin.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

²¹ But now ^(C)the righteousness of God ^(D)has been manifested apart from the law, although ^(E)the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— ²² the righteousness of God ^(F)through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. ^(G)For there is no distinction: ²³ for ^(H)all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, ^24 (I)and are justified ^(J)by his grace as a gift, ^(K)through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, ²⁵ whom God ^(L)put forward as ^(M)a propitiation ^(N)by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in ^(O)his divine forbearance he had passed over ^(P)former sins. ²⁶ It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

^27 (Q)Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. ²⁸ For we hold that one is justified by faith ^(R)apart from works of the law. ²⁹ Or ^(S)is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, ³⁰ since ^(T)God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and ^(U)the uncircumcised through faith. ³¹ Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

Abraham Justified by Faith

4 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, ^(V)our forefather according to the flesh? ² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but ^(W)not before God. ³ For what does the Scripture say? ^(X)“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” ⁴ Now ^(Y)to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. ⁵ And to the one who does not work but ^(Z)believes in^[b] him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness,