Righteousness is thru our faith and our works

[ElieG12]

Christian "works" require effort.

Example: An alcoholic has to give up addiction in order to enter the kingdom of God...and that will require some effort. If he doesn't try his best, then his supposed faith is not THE FAITH he needs to have...

1 Cor. 6:9 Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.

... 5:11 But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.

Matt. 24:48 “But if ever that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ 49 and he starts to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, 51 and he will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his place with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.

Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

Those who enjoy their alcoholism would love it if Jesus didn't care what they do...but they are wrong, and Scripture makes that clear. Do not deceive yourself or let others deceive you, so that in the end you will not be surprised.

PS: That was a simple example ... imagine the rest.

 

[Raccoon1010]

The words are cognate in the Greek.

• Adjective form: δίκαιος ("dikaios") - righteous, as one ought to be; in a court setting, judged to be in the right.
• Verb form: δικαιόω ("dikaioo") - to justify; to make right; to show to be right; in a court setting, to declare to be in the right.
• Noun form: δικαιοσύνη ("dikaiosune") - righteousness; the state of him who is as he ought to be; justice; the rendering unto each his due.

Net-net: We're God's covenant people through trust. Trust God, trust Jesus, try to do the right thing.

Yes I'm starting to see that. One is not good, but one can be righteous. Since only God is good. I think my understanding of the word righteous was in error when I started this thread.

 

[ElieG12]

Works cannot save us for the simple fact that even if we leave the "major" sins, we will always make minor mistakes that would be an impediment to saving ourselves "by works." Every human error that distances us from the holiness of God is a sin... However, God knows that we cannot be perfect in the full sense, so he offered his Son to settle debts of sins. Notwithstanding that, if we sin willfully and do not make an effort, we show disrespect for God's gift to forgive our sins.

It means: we are not saved for our own works, BUT without works we can not be saved.

1 John 5:16 If anyone catches sight of his brother committing a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and God will give life to him, yes, to those not committing sin that incurs death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and yet there is a sin that does not incur death.

 

[Raccoon1010]

Christian "works" require effort.

Example: An alcoholic has to give up addiction in order to enter the kingdom of God...and that will require some effort. If he doesn't try his best, then his supposed faith is not THE FAITH he needs to have...

1 Cor. 6:9 Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.

... 5:11 But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.

Matt. 24:48 “But if ever that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ 49 and he starts to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, 51 and he will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his place with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.

Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

Those who enjoy their alcoholism would love it if Jesus didn't care what they do...but they are wrong, and Scripture makes that clear. Do not deceive yourself or let others deceive you, so that in the end you will not be surprised.

PS: That was a simple example ... imagine the rest.

Yes the bible talks about drinking as being a problem when your day drinking or staying drunk all the time. That much I noticed as it also prescribes drinking for the dying and poor.

Proverbs 31:6-7 Give strong drink to him who is perishing, And wine to those who are bitter of heart. Let him drink and forget his poverty, And remember his misery no more.

Proverbs 23:20 Do not mix with winebibbers, Or with gluttonous eaters of meat

 

[Raccoon1010]

Works cannot save us for the simple fact that even if we leave the "major" sins, we will always make minor mistakes that would be an impediment to saving ourselves "by works." Every human error that distances us from the holiness of God is a sin... However, God knows that we cannot be perfect in the full sense, so he offered his Son to settle debts of sins. Notwithstanding that, if we sin willfully and do not make an effort, we show disrespect for God's gift to forgive our sins.

It means: we are not saved for our own works, BUT without works we can not be saved.

Well I think the key to understanding works is in the promise Jesus made to the rich man. He promised him he would save him if he obeyed the commandments and sold his possessions and gave them to the poor and followed him.

Jesus can save people, but we cannot save ourselves, but we can show faith by repenting and providing fruits meet for repentance.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Well I think the key to understanding works is in the promise Jesus made to the rich man. He promised him he would save him if he obeyed the commandments and sold his possessions and gave them to the poor and followed him.

Precious friend, then would that not contradict what Paul taught us, Under Grace?:

1Ti_5:8 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his​

own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."​

Or, should we not study God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided ( key to understanding works )?:

I have decided to follow Jesus?

Amen.

 

[Raccoon1010]

Precious friend, then would that not contradict what Paul taught us, Under Grace?:

1Ti_5:8 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his​

own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."​

Or, should we not study God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided ( key to understanding works )?:

I have decided to follow Jesus?

Amen.

Huh, not following what you're trying to say.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Christian "works" require effort.

Example: An alcoholic has to give up addiction in order to enter the kingdom of God

Incorrect; an alcoholic repents and believes The Gospel, Is "translated Into The Kingdom,
Receives The Holy Spirit," and then "gives up his addiction" with Supernatural Help!

1Co 14:40 "Let all things be done decently and in order." #1 rule In Bible study Rules!

Just Like "God Does!"

Amen.

 

[GRACE ambassador]

Well I think the key to understanding works is in the promise Jesus made to the rich man. He promised him he would save him if he obeyed the commandments and sold his possessions and gave them to the poor and followed him.

Precious friend, then would that not contradict what Paul taught us, Under Grace?:

1Ti_5:8 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his​

own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."​

Or, should we not study God's Word Of Truth, Rightly Divided ( key to understanding works )?:

I have decided to follow Jesus?

Amen.

Huh, not following what you're trying to say.

Sorry, I will retry with:

Previous dispensation of God:

Humble Christ, His instructions on the earth, To Israel, 12 apostles, Under The
Law/covenants/Prophecy:

"one thing thou lackest...sell ALL/take up cross/follow Jesus"
(Mar 10:17-23 + all commandments in Matthew - John)

Rightly Divided (2 Timothy 2:15) From “Things That Differ” (online)

Current Dispensation Of God:

Christ, As The Risen And Glorified "Head Of His Church" and:

His Heavenly Grace Program, with All instructions, According To The Revelation
Of The Mystery (Romans - Philemon) to Paul taught us, Under Grace:

1Ti_5:8 "But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his​

own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel."​

Which is what would happen IF we "obeyed" the previous instruction above, Correct?

Hope this helps...

Amen.

More study, if you wish: UnScriptural or UNdispensational?

 

[Grailhunter]

What exactly are "works" as defined here? Suppose, for one reason or another, a person because of some physical or mental disability, cannot perform "works". Is that person "dead" spiritually?

A person can have a deep, abiding faith and a true love of God. That is all that is necessary! "Works" are a bonus, but claiming superiority by one's works is not from God.

@dev553344
Our works increase our debt. Have you read the OP scripture? Paul made it clear. Yes we are told to obey the commandments. But we do a poor job of that, so we are all sinners. The scripture in the OP make much clear.

1. Our works increase our debt. This makes no sense and it is not true.
2, Yes we are told to obey the commandments..... Which commandments?

Lessons to be learned here.
1. Meaning of words
2. And the context they are used in.
3. Keeping in mind in what timeline the words are said.

Set the stage....

Christ's ministry......occurs while the Old Covenant is still in effect.
So if Christ is talking to Jews (other than His Apostles)....He is telling them to obey the Mosaic Law, which is correct.

After the Cross and the New Covenant is in effect
Christians are told to obey Christ's commandments.

None of the Old Testament Laws apply to Christians. Some will say some morals of the Old Testament Laws occur in the New Testament.
That is true.....some of the commandments are reiterated and are the same as Christian morals, but we as Christians follow the teachings of Christ and the Apostles....some things are the same in the Judaism....some things are the same in Hinduism, but that does not mean we are looking to Judaism or Hinduism for moral guidance. That can get you into big trouble.... seperated from Christ trouble!

Now on the topic of works and Christian conduct

Some see James and Paul at odds with works and faith....but they really were not.

Sometimes the translations do not help. Because of some of the translations some Protestants are confused and have a negative view of Good Deeds. The Greek word for this can be translated either works or Deeds and should be translated in context. But some times they are not translated correctly, the KJV is famous for these errors.

Usually when the scriptures are discussing works, they are talking about the Mosaic Law, which has nothing to do with salvation. Particularly with Paul.

Salvation can only be achieved through faith in Christ. But Christianity is not like a club, sign up for it and go about your business ....if belief in Christ does not change you and your life....odds are, it did not take....LOL A follower of Christ means you take Him as an example for your life.

But what should Christians do…..just because they are Christians?
Love God and each other.
Be good and do good.
Do good for others....help those that Christ puts in your path.
On your journey in Christianity....Workout your own salvation with fear and trembling.... Philippians 2:12

Doing good for others does not save you but....store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal...Matthew 6:20. So helping others pleases the Lord.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1st Peter 4:8

But still loving each other and helping each other does not get you to heaven....But according to the parable of the Sheep and the Goats....not helping each other can get you to hell.

And of course Christians should "hang" with Christians and assemble in church to worship the Lord.

 

[Raccoon1010]

@dev553344
Our works increase our debt. Have you read the OP scripture? Paul made it clear. Yes we are told to obey the commandments. But we do a poor job of that, so we are all sinners. The scripture in the OP make much clear.

1. Our works increase our debt. This makes no sense and it is not true.
2, Yes we are told to obey the commandments..... Which commandments?

Lessons to be learned here.
1. Meaning of words
2. And the context they are used in.
3. Keeping in mind in what timeline the words are said.

Set the stage....

Christ's ministry......occurs while the Old Covenant is still in effect.
So if Christ is talking to Jews (other than His Apostles)....He is telling them to obey the Mosaic Law, which is correct.

After the Cross and the New Covenant is in effect
Christians are told to obey Christ's commandments.

None of the Old Testament Laws apply to Christians. Some will say some morals of the Old Testament Laws occur in the New Testament.
That is true.....some of the commandments are reiterated and are the same as Christian morals, but we as Christians follow the teachings of Christ and the Apostles....some things are the same in the Judaism....some things are the same in Hinduism, but that does not mean we are looking to Judaism or Hinduism for moral guidance. That can get you into big trouble.... seperated from Christ trouble!

Now on the topic of works and Christian conduct

Some see James and Paul at odds with works and faith....but they really were not.

Sometimes the translations do not help. Because of some of the translations some Protestants are confused and have a negative view of Good Deeds. The Greek word for this can be translated either works or Deeds and should be translated in context. But some times they are not translated correctly, the KJV is famous for these errors.

Usually when the scriptures are discussing works, they are talking about the Mosaic Law, which has nothing to do with salvation. Particularly with Paul.

Salvation can only be achieved through faith in Christ. But Christianity is not like a club, sign up for it and go about your business ....if belief in Christ does not change you and your life....odds are, it did not take....LOL A follower of Christ means you take Him as an example for your life.

But what should Christians do…..just because they are Christians?
Love God and each other.
Be good and do good.
Do good for others....help those that Christ puts in your path.
On your journey in Christianity....Workout your own salvation with fear and trembling.... Philippians 2:12

Doing good for others does not save you but....store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys, and where thieves do not break in or steal...Matthew 6:20. So helping others pleases the Lord.
Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. 1st Peter 4:8

But still loving each other and helping each other does not get you to heaven....But according to the parable of the Sheep and the Goats....not helping each other can get you to hell.

And of course Christians should "hang" with Christians and assemble in church to worship the Lord.

Please address the scriptures in the OP, they specifically state that our works increase our debt.

Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

 

[Grailhunter]

Please address the scriptures in the OP, they specifically state that our works increase our debt.

Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

I did specifically address the OP and the statement of the OP is in error, out of context.
I try to warn people about this but they are slow to learn.
1. You do not want to build your religion on a single scripture.
2. You have to consider the context of the scriptures.

This chapter here is covering why Abraham was considered righteous. The term "works" here means attempting to obey the Mosaic Laws. Which the harder they tried, the more they sinned. It does not mean that the harder you try to be a good Christian, the more you sin.

Actually Romans chapters 1-13 are a good read on Rightiousness, the Mosaic Law and the Jews. Helps keep things in context.

And I am going to point this out because someone is likely to bring it up. There are people that like to confuse other people and or like their religion confusing....thinking that the more confusing it is.....the more it is like God. Which is messed up at least.

as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; Romans 3:10 Those that like to confuse people.....this is one of their favorites scripures......Guess why this is their favorite scripture.

The word rightious or rightiousness occurs around 450 times in the scriptures....most of the time the scriptures are refering to people that are rightious or the call to be rightious or the people that Paul called saints.

Context....context....context!!!!

“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26.....Do you hate your mother and father?
Scriptures must be taken in context just for rudimentry understanding.....for deeper understanding you have to consider the Language, the timeline and the culture and the circumstances.

 

[mailmandan]

it also says in the Bible that Abraham's works made his faith complete.

In James 2:22, faith made perfect or complete by works means bring to maturity, to complete like love in 1 John 4:18. It doesn't mean that Abraham was finally saved based on the merits of his works after he offered up Isaac on the altar in Genesis 22. When Abraham performed the good work in Genesis 22; he fulfilled the expectations created by the pronouncement of his faith in Genesis 15:6.

 

[Raccoon1010]

I did specifically address the OP and the statement of the OP is in error, out of context.
I try to warn people about this but they are slow to learn.
1. You do not want to build your religion on a single scripture.
2. You have to consider the context of the scriptures.

This chapter here is covering why Abraham was considered righteous. The term "works" here means attempting to obey the Mosaic Laws. Which the harder they tried, the more they sinned. It does not mean that the harder you try to be a good Christian, the more you sin.

Actually Romans chapters 1-13 are a good read on Rightiousness, the Mosaic Law and the Jews. Helps keep things in context.

And I am going to point this out because someone is likely to bring it up. There are people that like to confuse other people and or like their religion confusing....thinking that the more confusing it is.....the more it is like God. Which is messed up at least.

as it is written, “THERE IS NONE RIGHTEOUS, NOT EVEN ONE; Romans 3:10 Those that like to confuse people.....this is one of their favorites scripures......

The word rightious or rightiousness occurs around 450 times in the scriptures....most of the time the scriptures are refering to people that are rightious or the call to be rightious or the people that Paul called saints.

Context....context....context!!!!

“If anyone comes to Me, and does not hate his own father and mother and wife and children and brothers and sisters, yes, and even his own life, he cannot be My disciple. Luke 14:26.....Do you hate your mother and father?
Scriptures must be taken in context just for rudimentry understanding.....for deeper understanding you have to consider the Language, the timeline and the culture and the circumstances.

I read the context. What it says to me is that our works are from promptings of the Holy Spirit telling us what to do. And that righteousness is counted to God for his glory. What we do right is believing and following the Lord. And in that we are justified.

There are other scriptures that say we are justified by our works and what that means is that we believe God and do as the Father's will. Jesus can provide us righteousness if he desires to. And he has commanded us to do good works and obey the law. But nothing we can do will make us righteous. It is only thru Jesus that we can be made righteous. So if he promises us to make us righteous because of works, it is his glory not ours.

 

[Grailhunter]

I read the context. What it says to me is that our works are from promptings of the Holy Spirit telling us what to do. And that righteousness is counted to God for his glory. What we do right is believing and following the Lord. And in that we are justified.

There are other scriptures that say we are justified by our works and what that means is that we believe God and do as the Father's will. Jesus can provide us righteousness if he desires to. And he has commanded us to do good works and obey the law. But nothing we can do will make us righteous. It is only thru Jesus that we can be made righteous. So if he promises us to make us righteous because of works, it is his glory not ours.

It not that complicated....we are saved and justifies by our faith in Christ...period. Yeshua paid for our redemption with His perfect sacrifice....the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.

We are all sanctified in the sense that we are set apart from the world in the family of God.....adopted sons and daughters of God....Paul talks about this.

Is there another type of sanctification...experiential sanctification?.....it is a talking point. Our relationship with Christ. The son that is the apprentice of the father.....that carries on the father's work.....has a closer relationship with the father.

Be good and do good.....seek the truth and share the truth....my ministry the Johnny Appleseed of Truth. Our life is a journey and Christ walks with us. He sees what we do and if what we do pleases Him we have a closer relationship with Him.

Christianity has spent too much time coming up with false sins.....it has made Christian lives like a minefield of real sins and fake sins. Christians are likely to step on a real sin trying to avoid the fake sins.....so righteousness is based on what you do not do, instead of what you do.....a don't doer's religion....were the most righteous person lives in a closet and does not do anything.

 

[Raccoon1010]

It not that complicated....we are saved and justifies by our faith in Christ...period. Yeshua paid for our redemption with His perfect sacrifice....the sacrifice to end all sacrifices.

We are all sanctified in the sense that we are set apart from the world in the family of God.....adopted sons and daughters of God....Paul talks about this.

Is there another type of sanctification...experiential sanctification?.....it is a talking point. Our relationship with Christ. The son that is the apprentice of the father.....that carries on the father's work.....has a closer relationship with the father.

Be good and do good.....seek the truth and share the truth....my ministry the Johnny Appleseed of Truth. Our life is a journey and Christ walks with us. He sees what we do and if what we do pleases Him we have a closer relationship with Him.

Christianity has spent too much time coming up with false sins.....it has made Christian lives like a minefield of real sins and fake sins. Christians are likely to step on a real sin trying to avoid the fake sins.....so righteousness is based on what you do not do, instead of what you do.....a don't doer's religion....were the most righteous person lives in a closet and does not do anything.

You apparently didn't read post #6. We already had this discussion and justification is thru faith and works and from God as required by Jesus and the Father. See:

James 2:23-25


And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, “Abraham believed God, and it was accounted to him for righteousness.” And he was called the friend of God. You see then that a man is justified by works, and not by faith only. Likewise, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way?

 

[Jim B]

Christian "works" require effort.

Example: An alcoholic has to give up addiction in order to enter the kingdom of God...and that will require some effort. If he doesn't try his best, then his supposed faith is not THE FAITH he needs to have...

1 Cor. 6:9 Or do you not know that unrighteous people will not inherit God’s Kingdom? Do not be misled. Those who are sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, men who submit to homosexual acts, men who practice homosexuality, 10 thieves, greedy people, drunkards, revilers, and extortioners will not inherit God’s Kingdom. 11 And yet that is what some of you were. But you have been washed clean; you have been sanctified; you have been declared righteous in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and with the spirit of our God.

... 5:11 But now I am writing you to stop keeping company with anyone called a brother who is sexually immoral or a greedy person or an idolater or a reviler or a drunkard or an extortioner, not even eating with such a man.

Matt. 24:48 “But if ever that evil slave says in his heart, ‘My master is delaying,’ 49 and he starts to beat his fellow slaves and to eat and drink with the confirmed drunkards, 50 the master of that slave will come on a day that he does not expect and in an hour that he does not know, 51 and he will punish him with the greatest severity and will assign him his place with the hypocrites. There is where his weeping and the gnashing of his teeth will be.

Gal. 5:19 Now the works of the flesh are plainly seen, and they are sexual immorality, uncleanness, brazen conduct, 20 idolatry, spiritism, hostility, strife, jealousy, fits of anger, dissensions, divisions, sects, 21 envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and things like these. I am forewarning you about these things, the same way I already warned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit God’s Kingdom.

Those who enjoy their alcoholism would love it if Jesus didn't care what they do...but they are wrong, and Scripture makes that clear. Do not deceive yourself or let others deceive you, so that in the end you will not be surprised.

PS: That was a simple example ... imagine the rest.

What if someone has a disability and can't perform "works"?

 

[Jim B]

Works cannot save us for the simple fact that even if we leave the "major" sins, we will always make minor mistakes that would be an impediment to saving ourselves "by works." Every human error that distances us from the holiness of God is a sin... However, God knows that we cannot be perfect in the full sense, so he offered his Son to settle debts of sins. Notwithstanding that, if we sin willfully and do not make an effort, we show disrespect for God's gift to forgive our sins.

It means: we are not saved for our own works, BUT without works we can not be saved.

1 John 5:16 If anyone catches sight of his brother committing a sin that does not incur death, he will ask, and God will give life to him, yes, to those not committing sin that incurs death. There is a sin that does incur death. It is concerning that sin that I do not tell him to make request. 17 All unrighteousness is sin, and yet there is a sin that does not incur death.

We are saved by faith, not works.

Ephesians 2:8-9, " For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast."

Nothing could be clearer than that.

 

[Raccoon1010]

We are saved by faith, not works.

Ephesians 2:8-9, " For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God—not the result of works, so that no one may boast."

Nothing could be clearer than that.

Interesting Jim, we are saved by grace thru faith, and without works we are dead anyways. The bible makes that much clear to anyone that honestly seeks the Lord. Jesus requires works or he won't save us unless like you said you're disabled or something. At least the bible seems to suggest that fact. Jesus is Lord and he will save whom he saves ultimately.

 

[Jim B]

Please address the scriptures in the OP, they specifically state that our works increase our debt.

Romans 4:4 Now to him who works, the wages are not counted as grace but as debt.

It is always important to quote Scripture in context (a major problem with translations that chop up the writings into separate verses).

"What then are we to say was gained by Abraham, our ancestor according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness.” Now to one who works, wages are not reckoned as a gift but as something due. But to one who does not work but trusts him who justifies the ungodly, such faith is reckoned as righteousness. So also David pronounces a blessing on those to whom God reckons righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those whose iniquities are forgiven
and whose sins are covered;
blessed is the one against whom the Lord will not reckon sin.” Romans 4:1-8