Romans 3:22-28

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.