GOD'S WORD Translation GW
New International Version NIV
1 What can we say that we have discovered about our ancestor Abraham?
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What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh, discovered in this matter?
2 If Abraham had God's approval because of something he did, he would have had a reason to brag. But he could not brag to God about it.
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If, in fact, Abraham was justified by works, he had something to boast about—but not before God.
3 What does Scripture say? "Abraham believed God, and that faith was regarded by God to be his approval of Abraham."
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What does Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.”
4 When people work, their pay is not regarded as a gift but something they have earned.
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Now to the one who works, wages are not credited as a gift but as an obligation.
5 However, when people don't work but believe God, the one who approves ungodly people, their faith is regarded as God's approval.
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However, to the one who does not work but trusts God who justifies the ungodly, their faith is credited as righteousness.
6 David says the same thing about those who are blessed: God approves of people without their earning it. David said,
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David says the same thing when he speaks of the blessedness of the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:
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