18They are not terrified of God." 19We know that whatever is in Moses' Teachings applies to everyone under their influence, and no one can say a thing. The whole world is brought under the judgment of God. 20Not one person can have God's approval by following Moses' Teachings. Moses' Teachings show what sin is. 21Now, the way to receive God's approval has been made plain in a way other than Moses' Teachings. Moses' Teachings and the Prophets tell us this. 22Everyone who believes has God's approval through faith in Jesus Christ. There is no difference between people. 23Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God's glory. 24They receive God's approval freely by an act of his kindness through the price Christ Jesus paid to set us free [from sin]. 25God showed that Christ is the throne of mercy where God's approval is given through faith in Christ's blood. In his patience God waited to deal with sins committed in the past. 26He waited so that he could display his approval at the present time. This shows that he is a God of justice, a God who approves of people who believe in Jesus. 27So, do we have anything to brag about? Bragging has been eliminated. On what basis was it eliminated? On the basis of our own efforts? No, indeed! Rather, it is eliminated on the basis of faith. 28We conclude that a person has God's approval by faith, not by his own efforts. 29Is God only the God of the Jews? Isn't he also the God of people who are not Jewish? Certainly, he is, 30since it is the same God who approves circumcised people by faith and uncircumcised people through this same faith. 31Are we abolishing Moses' Teachings by this faith? That's unthinkable! Rather, we are supporting Moses' Teachings.
| 
