For we consider that a person<n id="1" /> is declared righteous by faith apart from the works of the law.<n id="2" />

For if Abraham was declared righteous<n id="1" /> by the works of the law, he has something to boast about &#8211; but not before God.

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

For <i>no one is declared righteous before himi><n id="1" /> by the works of the law,<n id="2" /> for through the law comes<n id="3" /> the knowledge of sin.

<p class="bodytext">Where, then, is boasting?<n id="1" /> It is excluded! By what principle?<n id="2" /> Of works? No, but by the principle of faith!

<p class="bodytext">So even David himself speaks regarding the blessedness of the man to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:p>

Why not? Because they pursued<n id="1" /> it not by faith but (as if it were possible) by works.<n id="2" /> They stumbled over the stumbling stone,<n id="3" />

even before they were born or had done anything good or bad (so that God&#8217;s purpose in election<n id="1" /> would stand, not by works but by<n id="2" /> his calling)<n id="3" /> &#8211;