Romans 3:20-31
3:20 For
no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law,
for through the law comes
the knowledge of sin.
3:21 But now
apart from the law the righteousness of God (which is attested by the law and the prophets)
has been disclosed –
3:22 namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ
for all who believe. For there is no distinction,
3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
3:24 But they are justified
freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.
3:25 God publicly displayed
him
at his death
as the mercy seat
accessible through faith.
This was to demonstrate
his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed.
3:26 This was
also to demonstrate
his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just
and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness.
3:27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith!
3:28 For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law.
3:29 Or is God the God of the Jews only? Is he not the God of the Gentiles too? Yes, of the Gentiles too!
3:30 Since God is one, he will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith.
3:31 Do we then nullify the law through faith? Absolutely not! Instead we uphold the law.