Study Desk

The only thing they kept hearing was this: "The man who used to persecute us is now proclaiming the faith he once tried to destroy!"

yet we know that a person is not justified by the works of the law but by the faithfulness of Jesus Christ.by faith in Jesus Christ">[fn] We, too, have believed in Christ Jesus so that we might be justified by the faith of Christby faith in Christ">[fn] and not by the works of the law, for no human beingno flesh">[fn] will be justified by the works of the law.Psalm 143:2; Acts 13:38-39; Romans 1:17; 8:3; Galatians 3:11,24; Hebrews 7:18-19;">[xr]

I no longer live, but Christ lives in me, and the life that I now live in the flesh I live by the faithfulness of the Son of God,by faith in the Son of God">[fn] who loved me and gave himself for me.Romans 6:6; 2 Corinthians 5:15; Galatians 1:4; 5:24; 6:14; Ephesians 5:2; 1 Thessalonians 5:10; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 4:2;">[xr]

I want to learn only one thing from you: Did you receive the Spirit by doing the worksthrough the works">[fn] of the law or by believing what you heard?through the hearing of faith">[fn]Acts 2:38; 8:15; 10:47; 15:8; Romans 10:16-17; Galatians 3:14; Ephesians 1:13; Hebrews 6:4;">[xr]

Does Godhe">[fn] supply you with the Spirit and work miracles among you because you do the worksthrough the works">[fn] of the law or because you believe what you heard?through the hearing of faith">[fn]2 Corinthians 3:8;">[xr]

You see, then, that those who have faith are Abraham's real descendants.John 8:39; Romans 4:11-12,16;">[xr]

Because the Scripture saw ahead of time that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, it announced the gospel to Abraham beforehand when it said, "Through you all nationsall the Gentiles">[fn] will be blessed."Genesis 12:3">[fn]Genesis 12:3; 18:18; 22:18; Acts 2:35; Romans 9:17; Galatians 3:22;">[xr]

Now it is obvious that no one is justified in the sight of God by the law, because "The righteous will live by faith."Habakkuk 2:4">[fn]Habakkuk 2:4; Romans 1:17; Galatians 2:16; Hebrews 10:38;">[xr]

But the law has nothing to do with faith. Instead, "The person who keeps the commandmentswho does them">[fn] will have life in them."Leviticus 18:5">[fn]Leviticus 18:5; Nehemiah 9:29; Ezekiel 20:11; Romans 4:4-5; 10:5-6; 11:6;">[xr]

But the Scripture has put everything under the power of sin, so that what was promised by the faithfulness of Christby faith in Christ">[fn] might be given to those who believe.Romans 3:9,19, 23; 11:32; Galatians 3:8;">[xr]

Now before this faith came, we were held in custody and carefully guarded under the law in preparation for the faith that was to be revealed.

But now that this faith has come, we are no longer under the control of a guardian.

For all of you are God's children through faith in Christ Jesus.John 1:12; Romans 8:14-16; Galatians 4:5; 1 John 3:1-2;">[xr]

For through the Spirit, by faith, we eagerly wait for the hope of righteousness.Romans 8:24-25; 2 Timothy 4:8;">[xr]

For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision nor uncircumcision matters. What matters is faithBut faith">[fn] that is active through love.1 Corinthians 7:19; Galatians 3:28; 6:15; Colossians 3:11; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; James 2:18,20, 22;">[xr]

But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,faith">[fn]John 15:2; Romans 15:14; 1 Corinthians 13:7; Ephesians 5:9; Colossians 3:12; James 3:17;">[xr]