not the result of works, so that no one may boast.
But if it is by grace, it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.
For no human will be justified before him by deeds prescribed by the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.
For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God.
even before they had been born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose of election might continue,
So it depends not on human will or exertion but on God who shows mercy.
who saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works but according to his own purpose and grace, and this grace was given to us in Christ Jesus before the ages began,