Abraham Justified by Faith

4 What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, ^(A)our forefather according to the flesh? ² For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but ^(B)not before God. ³ For what does the Scripture say? ^(C)“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.”

¹⁸ But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith ^(A)apart from your works, and I will show you my faith ^(B)by my works. ^19 (C)You believe that God is one; you do well. Even ^(D)the demons believe—and shudder! ²⁰ Do you want to be shown, you foolish person, that faith apart from works is useless? ^21 (E)Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up his son Isaac on the altar? ²² You see that ^(F)faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed ^(G)by his works; ²³ and the Scripture was fulfilled that says, ^(H)“Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”—and he was called a ^(I)friend of God. ²⁴ You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone.