not by works, so that no one can boast.
He has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time,
And if by grace, then it cannot be based on works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.
It does not, therefore, depend on human desire or effort, but on God’s mercy.
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Yet, before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad—in order that God’s purpose in election might stand:
If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.
