Abraham Justified by Faith

4 What then shall we say^(A) that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh,^(B) discovered in this matter? ² If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.^{(C) 3} What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”^[a](D)

⁴ Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift^(E) but as an obligation. ⁵ However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.^(F)

²⁰ You foolish person, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless^[a]?^{(A) 21} Was not our father Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar?^{(B) 22} You see that his faith and his actions were working together,^(C) and his faith was made complete by what he did.^(D)