19. We know that whatever the law says it speaks to those under its authority, so that every mouth will be silenced and so that the whole world will be accountable to God. 20. Therefore, no one will be declared righteous in God's court by performing works commanded by the law. For the law makes us realize what sin is.
21.But now God's righteousness is revealed apart from the law, as the Law and the Prophets testify. 22. Everyone who believes has God's righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between Jews and Gentiles,23. because everyone has sinned, fall short of God's glory,24. and are declared righteous by God's grace free of charge, because of the ransom paid by Christ Jesus. 25. God offered Jesus as the sacrifice which removes the sin of those who have faith in the redeeming power of His blood. God did this to show that He was right [26a] to be patient and overlook sins committed in the past. 26. At this very moment, God shows that he is right to be patient with sinners so that He can both be righteous and declare righteous those who have faith in Jesus. 27. So, what's left to brag about? Nothing. By what principle is braging excluded? By the principle of doing good works? No, but by the principle of faith. 28. For we conclude that God declares a person righteous by faith without doing the works the law commands. 29. So, is God only the Jews' God? Isn't He also the Gentiles' God? Yes, He is also the Gentiles' God. 30. Since God declares a circumcised person righteous by faith, He will also declare the uncircumcised righteous by faith.
31. So, then, do we abolish the law by faith? Never! We support the law instead.
Send comments, suggestions and offers to translate to:
Rev. Robert E. Smith
Project Wittenberg Coordinator
Concordia Theological Seminary
6600 N. Clinton St.
Ft. Wayne, IN 46825
Phone: (260) 481-2123
Fax: (260) 481-2126
Return: [Internet Bible] || [Bob Smith's Home Page]