because by the works of the Law none of mankind will be justified in His sight; for through the Law comes knowledge of sin.

Where then is boasting? It has been excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith.

For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from works of the Law.

For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about; but not before God.

Now to the one who works, the wages are not credited as a favor, but as what is due.

just as David also speaks of the blessing of the person to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

for though the twins were not yet born and had not done anything good or bad, so that God’s purpose according to His choice would stand, not because of works but because of Him who calls,

Why? Because they did not pursue it by faith, but as though they could by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, since otherwise grace is no longer grace.