For we consider that a person is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law.

For if Abraham was declared righteous by the works of the law, he has something to boast about – but not before God.

And if it is by grace, it is no longer by works, otherwise grace would no longer be grace.

For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin.

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded! By what principle? Of works? No, but by the principle of faith!

So even David himself speaks regarding the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

Why not? Because they pursued it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works. They stumbled over the stumbling stone,

even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God’s purpose in election would stand, not by works but by his calling) –