Amplified Bible (AMP)

Justification by Faith Evidenced in Old Testament

1 What then shall we say that Abraham, our forefatherhumanly speaking, has found? [Has he obtained a favored standing?]

2 For if Abraham was justified [that is, acquitted from the guilt of his sins] by works [those things he did that were good], he has something to boast about, but not before God.

3 For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed in(trusted, relied on) God,and it was credited to his account as righteousness(right living, right standing with God).”

4 Now to a laborer, his wages are not credited as a favorora gift, but as an obligation [something owed to him].

5 But to the one who does not work [that is, the one who does not try to earn his salvation by doing good], but believesandcompletely trusts in Him who justifies the ungodly, his faith iscredited to him as righteousness (right standing with God).

6 And in this same way David speaks of the blessing on the one to whom God credits righteousness apart from works:

7 “Blessedandhappyandfavored are those whose lawless acts have been forgiven,

And whose sins have been covered upandcompletely buried.

8 “Blessedandhappyandfavored is the man whose sin theLord will nottake into accountnorcharge against him.”

9 Is this blessing only for the circumcised, or also for the uncircumcised? For we say, “Faith was credited toAbraham as righteousness.”

10 How then was it credited [to him]? Was it after he had been circumcised, or before? Not after, but while [he was] uncircumcised.

11 He received the sign of circumcision, a sealorconfirmation of the righteousness which he had by faith while [he was still] uncircumcised–this was so that he would be the [spiritual] father of all who believe without being circumcised–so that righteousness would be credited to them,

12 and [that he would be] the [spiritual] father of those circumcised who are not only circumcised, but who also walk in the steps of the faith of our father Abraham which he had before he was circumcised.

13 For the promise to Abraham or to his descendants that he would be heir of the world was not through [observing the requirements of] the Law, but through the righteousness of faith.

14 If those who are [followers] of the Law are [the true] heirs [of Abraham], then faith [leading to salvation] is of no effectandvoid, and the promise [of God] is nullified.

15 For the Law results in [God’s] wrath [against sin], but where there is no law, there is no violation [of it either].

16 Therefore, [inheriting] the promise depends entirely on faith [that is, confident trust in the unseen God], in order thatit may be givenas an act of grace [His unmerited favor and mercy], so that the promise will be [legally] guaranteed to all the descendants [of Abraham]–not only for those [Jewish believers] who keep the Law, but also for those [Gentile believers] who share the faith of Abraham, who is the [spiritual] father of us all–

17 (as it is written [in Scripture], “Ihave made you a father of many nations”) in the sight of Him in whom he believed, that is, Godwho gives life to the dead and calls into being that which does not exist.

18 In hope against hope Abraham believed that he would become a father of many nations, as he had been promised [by God]: “So[numberless]shall your descendants be.”

19 Without becoming weak in faith he considered his own body, now as good as dead [for producing children] since he was about a hundred years old, and [he considered] the deadness of Sarah’s womb.

20 But he did not doubtorwaver in unbelief concerning the promise of God, but he grew strongandempowered by faith, giving glory to God,

21 being fully convinced that God had the power to do what He had promised.

22 Therefore his faithwas credited to him as righteousness(right standing with God).

23 Now not for his sake alone was it written that it was credited to him,

24 but for our sake also–to whom righteousness will be credited, as those who believe in Him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead–

25 who was betrayedandcrucified because of our sins, and was raised [from the dead] because of our justification [our acquittal–absolving us of all sin before God].

Results of Justification

1 Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).

2 Through Him we also have access by faith into this [remarkable state of] grace in which we [firmly and safely and securely] stand. Let us rejoice in ourhopeandthe confident assurance of [experiencing and enjoying] the glory of [our great] God [the manifestation of His excellence and power].

3 And not onlythis,but [with joy] let us exult in our sufferingsandrejoice in our hardships, knowing that hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance;

4 and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hopeandconfident assurance [of eternal salvation].

5 Such hope [in God’s promises] never disappointsus,because God’s love has been abundantly poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

6 While we were still helpless [powerless to provide for our salvation], at the right time Christ died [as a substitute] for the ungodly.

7 Now it is an extraordinary thing for one to willingly give his life even for an upright man, though perhaps for a good man [one who is noble and selfless and worthy] someone might even dare to die.

8 But God clearly showsandproves His own love for us, by the fact that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

9 Therefore, since we have now been justified [declared free of the guilt of sin] by His blood, [how much more certain is it that] we will be saved from thewrathof Godthrough Him.

10 For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son,it ismuch morecertain,having been reconciled, that we will be saved [from the consequences of sin] by His life [that is, we will be saved because Christ lives today].

11 Not only that, but we also rejoice in God [rejoicing in His love and perfection] through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now receivedandenjoy our reconciliation [with God].

12 Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, so death spread to all people [no one being able to stop it or escape its power], because they all sinned.

13 Sin was [committed] in the world before the Law [was given], but sin is not charged [against anyone] when there is no law [against it].

14 Yet death ruled [over mankind] from Adam to Moses [the Lawgiver], even over those who had not sinnedas Adam did. Adam is a type of Him (Christ) who was to come [but in reverse–Adam brought destruction, Christ brought salvation].

15 But the free gift [of God] is not like the trespass [because the gift of grace overwhelms the fall of man]. For if many died by one man’s trespass [Adam’s sin], much more [abundantly] did God’s grace and the gift [that comes] by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, overflow to [benefit] the many.

16 Nor is the gift [of grace] likethat which camethrough the one who sinned. For on the one hand the judgment [following the sin]resultedfrom one trespass and brought condemnation, but on the other hand the free giftresultedfrom many trespasses and brought justification [the release from sin’s penalty for those who believe].

17 For if by the trespass of the one (Adam), death reigned through the one (Adam), much moresurelywill those who receive the abundance of grace and the free gift of righteousness reign in [eternal] life through the One, Jesus Christ.

18 So then as through one trespass [Adam’s sin] there resulted condemnation for all men, even so through one act of righteousness there resulted justification of life toall men.

19 For just as through one man’s disobedience [his failure to hear, his carelessness] the many were made sinners, so through the obedience of the one Man the many will be made righteousandacceptable to Godandbrought into right standing with Him.

20 But the Law came to increaseandexpand [the awareness of] the trespass [by defining and unmasking sin]. But where sin increased, [God’s remarkable, gracious gift of] grace [His unmerited favor] has surpassed itandincreased all the more,

21 so that, as sin reigned in death, so also grace would reign through righteousness which brings eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Believers Are Dead to Sin, Alive to God

1 What shall we say [to all this]? Should we continue in sinandpractice sin as a habit so that [God’s gift of]grace may increaseandoverflow?

2 Certainly not! How can we, the very ones who died to sin,continue tolive in it any longer?

3 Or are you ignorant of the fact that all of us who have beenbaptized into Christ Jesus were baptized into His death?

4 We have therefore been buried with Him through baptism into death, so that just as Christ was raised from the dead through the gloryandpower of the Father, we too might walkhabituallyin newness of life [abandoning our old ways].

5 For if we have become one with Him [permanently united] in the likeness of His death, we will also certainly be [one with Him and share fully]in the likenessof His resurrection.

6 We know that our oldself [our human nature without the Holy Spirit] was nailed to the cross withHim,in order that our body of sin might be done away with, so that we would no longer be slaves to sin.

7 For the person who has died [with Christ] has been freed from [the power of] sin.

8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live [together] with Him,

9 because we know [the self-evident truth] that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has power over Him.

10 For the death that He died, He died to sin [ending its power and paying the sinner’s debt] once and for all; and the life that He lives, He lives to [glorify] God [in unbroken fellowship with Him].

11 Even so, consider yourselves to be dead to sin [and your relationship to it broken], but alive to God [in unbroken fellowship with Him] in Christ Jesus.

12 Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body so that you obey its lustsandpassions.

13 Do not go on offering members of your body to sin as instruments of wickedness. But offer yourselves to God [in a decisive act] as those alive [raised] from the dead [to a new life], and your members [all of your abilities–sanctified, set apart] as instruments of righteousness [yielded] to God.

14 For sin will no longer be a master over you, since you are not under Law [as slaves], but under [unmerited] grace [as recipients of God’s favor and mercy].

15 What then [are we to conclude]? Shall we sin because we are not under Law, but under [God’s] grace? Certainly not!

16 Do you not know that when youcontinuallyoffer yourselves to someone to do his will, you are the slaves of the one whom you obey, either [slaves] of sin, which leads to death, or of obedience, which leads to righteousness (right standing with God)?

17 But thank God that though you were slaves of sin, you became obedient with all your heart to the standard of teaching in which you were instructedandto which you were committed.

18 And having been set free from sin, you have become the slaves of righteousness [of conformity to God’s will and purpose].

19 I am speaking in [familiar] human terms because of your natural limitations [your spiritual immaturity]. For just as you presented your bodily members as slaves to impurity and to [moral] lawlessness, leading to further lawlessness, so now offer your members [your abilities, your talents] as slaves to righteousness, leading tosanctification [that is, being set apart for God’s purpose].

20 When you were slaves of sin, you were free in regard to righteousness [you had no desire to conform to God’s will].

21 So what benefit did you get at that time from the things of which you are now ashamed? [None!] For the outcome of those things is death!

22 But now since you have been set free from sin and have become [willing] slaves to God, you have your benefit, resulting in sanctification [being made holy and set apart for God’s purpose], and the outcome [of this] is eternal life.

23 For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God [that is, His remarkable, overwhelming gift of grace to believers] is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Believers United to Christ

1 Or do you not know,brothers and sisters (for I am speaking to those who know the Law), that the Law has jurisdiction [to rule] over a person as long as he lives?

2 For the married woman [as an example] is boundandremains bound by law to her husband while he lives; but if her husband dies, she is releasedandexempt from the law concerning her husband.

3 Accordingly, she will be designated as an adulteress if sheunites herself to another man while her husband is alive. But if her husband dies, she is free from the law [regarding marriage], so that she is not an adulteress if she marries another man.

4 Therefore, myfellow believers, you too died to the Law through the [crucified] body of Christ, so that you may belong to another, to Him who was raised from the dead, in order that we may bear fruit for God.

5 When we werelivingin the flesh [trapped by sin], the sinful passions, which were awakened by [that which] the Law [identifies as sin], were at work in our body to bear fruit for death [since the willingness to sin led to death and separation from God].

6 But now we have been released from the Lawandits penalty, having died [through Christ] to that by which we were held captive, so that we serve [God] in the newness of the Spirit and not in the oldness of the letter [of the Law].

7 What shall we say then? Is the Law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, if it had not been for the Law, I would not have recognized sin. For I would not have known [for example] about coveting [what belongs to another, and would have had no sense of guilt] if the Law had not [repeatedly] said, “You shall not covet.”

8 But sin, finding an opportunity through the commandment [to express itself] produced in me every kind of covetingandselfish desire. For without the Law sin is dead [the recognition of sin is inactive].

9 I was once alive without [knowledge of] the Law; but when the commandment came [and I understood its meaning], sin became alive and I died [since the Law sentenced me to death].

10 And theverycommandment which was intended to bring life, actually proved to bring death for me.

11 For sin, seizing its opportunity through the commandment, beguiledandcompletely deceived me, andusing it as a weapon killed me [separating me from God].

12 So then, the Law is holy, and the commandment is holy and righteous and good.

13 Did that which is good [the Law], then become death to me? Certainly not! But sin, in order that it might be revealed as sin, was producing death in me by [using] this good thing [as a weapon], so that through the commandment sin would become exceedingly sinful.

The Conflict of Two Natures

14 We know that the Law is spiritual, but I ama creatureof the flesh [worldly, self-reliant–carnal and unspiritual], sold into slavery to sin [and serving under its control].

15 For I do not understand my own actions [I am baffled and bewildered by them]. I do not practice what I wantto do,but I am doing the very thing I hate [and yielding to my human nature, my worldliness–my sinful capacity].

16 Now if Ihabituallydo what I do not want to do, [that means] I agree with the Law,confessingthat it is good (morally excellent).

17 So now [if that is the case, then] it is no longer I who do it [the disobedient thing which I despise], but the sin [nature] which lives in me.

18 For I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness–my sinful capacity]. For the willingness [to do good] is present in me, but the doing of good is not.

19 For the good that I want to do, I do not do, but I practice the very evil that I do not want.

20 But if I am doing the very thing I do not want to do, I am no longer the one doing it [that is, it is not me that acts], but the sin [nature] which lives in me.

21 So I findit to bethe law [of my inner self], that evil is present in me, the one who wants to do good.

22 For I joyfully delight in the law of God in my inner self [with my new nature],

23 but I see a different lawandrule of action in the members of my body [in its appetites and desires], waging war against the law of my mindandsubduing me and making me a prisoner of the law of sin which is within my members.

24 Wretchedandmiserable man that I am! Who will [rescue me and] set me free from this body of death [this corrupt, mortal existence]?

25 Thanks be to God [for my deliverance] through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, on the one hand I myself with my mind serve the law of God, but on the other, with my flesh [my human nature, my worldliness, my sinful capacity–I serve] the law of sin.

Escape from Bondage

1 Therefore there is now no condemnation [no guilty verdict, no punishment] for those who are in Christ Jesus [who believe in Him as personal Lord and Savior].

2 For the law of the Spirit of life [which is] in Christ Jesus [the law of our new being] has set you free from the law of sin and of death.

3 For what the Law could not do [that is, overcome sin and remove its penalty, its power] being weakened by the flesh [man’s nature without the Holy Spirit], God did: He sent His own Son in the likeness of sinful man as an offering for sin. And He condemned sin in the flesh [subdued it and overcame it in the person of His own Son],

4 so that the [righteous and just] requirement of the Law might be fulfilled in us who do not live our lives in the ways of the flesh [guided by worldliness and our sinful nature], but [live our lives] in the ways of the Spirit [guided by His power].

5 For those who arelivingaccording to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh [which gratify the body], but those who arelivingaccording to the Spirit, [set their minds on] the things of the Spirit [His will and purpose].

6 Now the mind of the flesh is death [both now and forever–because it pursues sin]; but the mind of the Spirit is life and peace [the spiritual well-being that comes from walking with God–both now and forever];

7 the mind of the flesh [with its sinful pursuits] is actively hostile to God. It does not submit itself to God’s law, since it cannot,

8 and those who are in the flesh [living a life that caters to sinful appetites and impulses] cannot please God.

9 However, you are not [living] in the flesh [controlled by the sinful nature] but in the Spirit, if in fact the Spirit of God lives in you [directing and guiding you]. But if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he does not belong to Him [and is not a child of God].

10 If Christ lives in you, though your [natural] body is dead because of sin, your spirit is alive because of righteousness [which He provides].

11 And if the Spirit of Him who raised Jesus from the dead lives in you, He who raised Christ Jesus from the dead will also give life to your mortal bodies through His Spirit, who lives in you.

12 So then,brothers and sisters, we have an obligation, but not to our flesh [our human nature, our worldliness, our sinful capacity], to live according to the [impulses of the] flesh [our nature without the Holy Spirit]–

13 for if you are living according to the [impulses of the] flesh, you are going to die. But if [you are living] by the [power of the Holy] Spirit you arehabituallyputting to death thesinfuldeeds of the body, you will [really] liveforever.

14 For all who areallowing themselves tobe led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.

15 For you have not received a spirit of slavery leading again to fear [of God’s judgment], but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons [the Spirit producing sonship] by which we [joyfully] cry, “Abba! Father!”

16 The Spirit Himself testifiesandconfirms together with our spirit [assuring us] that we [believers] are children of God.

17 And if [we are His] children, [then we are His] heirs also: heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ [sharing His spiritual blessing and inheritance], if indeed we share in His suffering so that we may also share in His glory.

18 For I consider [from the standpoint of faith] that the sufferings of the present life are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is about to be revealed to usandin us!

19 For [even the whole] creation [all nature] waits eagerly for the children of God to be revealed.

20 For the creation was subjected to frustrationandfutility, not willingly [because of some intentional fault on its part], but by the will of Him who subjected it, in hope

21 that the creation itself will also be freed from its bondage to decay [and gain entrance] into the glorious freedom of the children of God.

22 For we know that the whole creation has been moaning together as in the pains of childbirth until now.

23 And not only this, but we too, who have the first fruits of the Spirit [a joyful indication of the blessings to come], even we groan inwardly, as we wait eagerly for [the sign of] our adoption as sons–the redemptionandtransformation of our body [at the resurrection].

24 For in this hope we were saved [by faith]. But hope [the object of] which is seen is not hope. For who hopes for what he already sees?

25 But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait eagerly for it with patienceandcomposure.

Our Victory in Christ

26 In the same way the Spirit [comes to us and] helps us in our weakness. We do not know what prayer to offerorhow to offer it as we should, but the Spirit Himself [knows our need and at the right time] intercedes on our behalf with sighsandgroanings too deep for words.

27 And He who searches the hearts knows what the mind of the Spirit is, because the Spirit intercedes [before God] on behalf ofGod’s people in accordance with God’s will.

28 And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His planandpurpose.

29 For those whom He foreknew [and loved and chose beforehand], He also predestined to be conformed to the image of His Son [and ultimately share in His complete sanctification], so that He would be the firstborn [the most beloved and honored] among many believers.

30 And those whom He predestined, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified [declared free of the guilt of sin]; and those whom He justified, He also glorified [raising them to a heavenly dignity].

31 What then shall we say to all these things? If God is for us, who can be [successful] against us?

32 He who did not spare [even] His own Son, but gave Him up for us all, how will He not also, along with Him, graciously give us all things?

33 Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself].

34 Who is the one who condemns us? Christ Jesus is the One who died [to pay our penalty], and morethan that,who was raised [from the dead], and who is at the right hand of God interceding [with the Father] for us.

35 Who shall ever separate us from the love ofChrist? Will tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?

36 Just as it is writtenandforever remains written,

“ForYour sake we are put to death all day long;

We are regarded as sheep for the slaughter.”

37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerorsandgain an overwhelming victory through Him who loved us [so much that He died for us].

38 For I am convinced [and continue to be convinced–beyond any doubt] that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things presentandthreatening, nor things to come, nor powers,

39 nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the [unlimited] love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Concern for Israel

1 I am telling the truth in Christ, I am not lying, my conscience testifies with me [enlightened and prompted] by the Holy Spirit,

2 that I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart.

3 For [if it were possible] I would wish that I myself were accursed, [separated, banished] from Christ for the sake [of the salvation] of my brothers, my natural kinsmen,

4 who are Israelites, to whom belongs the adoption as sons, the glory (Shekinah), the [special] covenants [with Abraham, Moses, and David], the giving of the Law, the [system of temple] worship, and the [original] promises.

5 To them belong the patriarchs, and from them, according to His natural descent,camethe Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed), He who is exaltedandsupreme over all, God blessed forever. Amen.

6 However, it is not as though God’s word has failed [coming to nothing]. For not all who are descended from Israel (Jacob) are [the true] Israel;

7 and they are not all the children of Abraham because they are his descendants [by blood], but [the promise was]: “Your descendants will be named throughIsaac” [though Abraham had other sons].

8 That is, it is not the children of the body [Abraham’s natural descendants] who are God’s children, but it is the children of the promise who are counted as [Abraham’s true] descendants.

9 For this is what the promise said: “About this time[next year] Iwill come,andSarah shall have a son.”

10 And not only that, but this too: Rebekah conceivedtwin sonsby one man [under the same circumstances], by our father Isaac;

11 and thoughthe twinswere not yet born and had not done anythingeithergood or bad, so that God’s purpose [His choice, His election] would stand, not because of works [done by either child], but because of [the plan of] Him who calls them,

12 it was said to her, “Theolder(Esau)will serve theyounger(Jacob).”

13 As it is writtenandforever remains written, “JacobIloved(chose, protected, blessed),butEsauIhated(held in disregard compared to Jacob).”

14 What shall we say then? Is there injustice with God? Certainly not!

15 For He says to Moses, “Iwill have mercy on whomeverIhave mercy,andIwill have compassion on whomeverIhave compassion.”

16 So then God’s choice is not dependent on human will, nor on human effort [the totality of human striving], but on God who shows mercy [to whomever He chooses–it is His sovereign gift].

17 For the Scripture says to Pharaoh, “Iraised you up for this very purpose,to displayMy power in[dealing with]you,and so thatMy name would be proclaimed in all the earth.”

18 So then, He has mercy on whom He wills (chooses), and He hardens [the heart of] whom He wills.

19 You will say to me then, “Why does He still blame me [for sinning]? For who [including myself] has [ever] resisted His willandpurpose?”

20 On the contrary, who are you, O man, who answers [arrogantly] back to Godanddares to defy Him? Will the thing which is formed say to him who formed it, “Why have you made me like this?”

21 Does the potter not have the right over the clay, to make from the same lump [of clay] one object for honorable use [something beautiful or distinctive] and another for common use [something ordinary or menial]?

22 What if God, although willing to show His [terrible] wrath and to make His power known, has tolerated with great patience the objects of His wrath [which are] prepared for destruction?

23 And what if He has done so to make known the riches of His glory to the objects of His mercy, which He has prepared beforehand for glory,

24 includingus, whom He also called, not only from among the Jews, but also from among the Gentiles?

25 Just as He says in [the writings of the prophet] Hosea:

“Iwill call those who were notMy people, ‘My people,’

And[I will call]her who was not beloved, ‘beloved.’”

26 “And it shall be that in the place where it was said to them, ‘you are notMy people,’

There they shall be called sons ofthe livingGod.”

27 And Isaiah calls out concerning Israel: “Though the number of the sons ofIsrael belike the sand of the sea,it is onlythe remnant[a small believing minority]that will be saved[from God’s judgment];

28 For theLord will executeHis word upon the earth[He will conclude His dealings with mankind]completely and without delay.”

29 It is as Isaiah foretold,

“IftheLord ofHosts had not left us seed[future generations from which a believing remnant of Israelites came],

We would have become likeSodom,and would have resembledGomorrah[totally rejected and destroyed]!”

30 What shall we say then? That Gentiles, who did not pursue righteousness [who did not seek salvation and a right relationship with God, nevertheless] obtained righteousness, that is, the righteousness which is produced by faith;

31 whereas Israel, [though always] pursuing the law of righteousness, did not succeed in fulfilling the law.

32 And why not? Because it was not by faith [that they pursued it], but as though it were by works [relying on the merit of their works instead of their faith]. They stumbled over the stumbling Stone [Jesus Christ].

33 As it is writtenandforever remains written,

“BeholdIam laying inZionaStone of stumbling and aRock of offense;

And he who believes inHim[whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him]will not be disappointed[in his expectations].”

The Word of Faith Brings Salvation

1 Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and my prayer to God for Israel is for their salvation.

2 For I testify about them that they have a certain enthusiasm for God, but not in accordance with [correct and vital] knowledge [about Him and His purposes].

3 For not knowing about God’s righteousness [which is based on faith], and seeking to establish their own [righteousness based on works], they did not submit to God’s righteousness.

4 For Christ is the end of the law [it leads to Him and its purpose is fulfilled in Him], for [granting] righteousness to everyone who believes [in Him as Savior].

5 For Moses writes that the man who practices the righteousness which is based on law [with all its intricate demands] shall live by it.

6 But the righteousness based on faith [which produces a right relationship with Him] says the following: “Do not say in your heart, ‘Who will ascend intoHeaven?’ that is, to bring Christ down;

7 or, ‘Who will descend into theabyss?’ that is, to bring Christ up from the dead [as if we had to be saved by our own efforts, doing the impossible].”

8 But what does it say? “The word is near you,in your mouth and in your heart”–that is, the word [the message, the basis] of faith which we preach–

9 because if you acknowledgeandconfess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord [recognizing His power, authority, and majesty as God], and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.

10 For with the heart a person believes [in Christ as Savior] resulting in his justification [that is, being made righteous–being freed of the guilt of sin and made acceptable to God]; and with the mouth he acknowledgesandconfesses [his faith openly], resulting inandconfirming [his] salvation.

11 For the Scripture says, “Whoever believes inHim[whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him]will not be disappointed[in his expectations].”

12 For there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile; for the sameLordis Lord over all [of us], and [He is] abounding in riches (blessings) for all who call on Him [in faith and prayer].

13 For “whoever calls on the name of theLord[in prayer]will be saved.”

14 But how will people call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how will they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how will they hear without a preacher (messenger)?

15 And how will they preach unless they are commissionedandsent [for that purpose]? Just as it is writtenandforever remains written, “How beautiful are the feet of those whobring good news of good things!”

16 But they did not all pay attention to the good news [of salvation]; for Isaiah says, “Lord,who has believed our report?”

17 So faithcomesfrom hearing [what is told], and what is heardcomesby the [preaching of the] message concerning Christ.

18 But I say, did they not hear? Indeed they have;

“Their voice[that of creation bearing God’s message]has gone out to all the earth,

And their words to the[farthest]ends of the world.”

19 But I say, did Israel fail to understand [that the gospel was to go also to the Gentiles]? First Moses says,

“Iwillmake you jealous of those who are not a nation(Gentiles);

With a nation that lacks understandingIwill make you angry.”

20 Then Isaiah is very bold and says,

“Ihave been found by those who did not seekMe;

Ihave shownMyself to those who did not[consciously]ask forMe.”

21 But of Israel he says, “All day longIhave stretched outMy hands[in compassion]to a disobedient and obstinate people.”

Israel Is Not Cast Away

1 I say then, has God rejectedanddisowned His people? Certainly not! For I too am an Israelite, a descendant of Abraham, of the tribe of Benjamin.

2 God has not rejected His [chosen] people whom He foreknew. Or do you not know what the Scripture says of Elijah, how he pleads with God against Israel?

3 “Lord,they have killedYour prophets,they have torn downYour altars,andIalone am left[of the prophets],and they are seeking my life.”

4 But what is God’s response to him? “Ihave keptfor Myselfseven thousand men who have not bowed the knee toBaal.”

5 So too then, at the present time there has come to be a remnant [a small believing minority] according toGod’sgracious choice.

6 But if it is by grace [God’s unmerited favor], it is no longer on the basis of works, otherwise grace is no longer grace [it would not be a gift but a reward for works].

7 What then? Israel failed to obtain what it was seeking [that is, God’s favor by obedience to the Law], but the elect [those chosen few] obtained it, while the rest of them became hardenedandcallously indifferent;

8 just as it is written [in Scripture],

“God gave them a spirit of stupor,

Eyes that do not see and ears that do not hear,

[a spiritual apathy that has continued]to this very day.”

9 And David says,

“Let their table(abundance)become a snare and a trap,

Astumbling block and a retribution to them.

10 “Let their eyes be darkened so that they do not see,

And make their backs bend[under their burden]forever.”

11 So I say, have they stumbled so as to fall [to spiritual ruin]? Certainly not! But by their transgression [their rejection of the Messiah] salvationhas cometo the Gentiles, to make Israel jealous [when they realize what they have forfeited].

12 Now if Israel’s transgression means riches for the world [at large] and their failure means riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their fulfillmentandreinstatement be!

13 ButnowI am speaking to you who are Gentiles. Inasmuch then as I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry,

14 in the hope of somehow making my fellow countrymen jealous [by stirring them up so that they will seek the truth] andperhapssave some of them.

15 For if their [present] rejection [of salvation] is for the reconciliation of the world [to God], what will their acceptance [of salvation] be but [nothing less than] life from the dead?

16 If the first portion [of dough offered as the first fruits] is holy, so is thewholebatch; and if the root (Abraham, the patriarchs) is holy, so are the branches (the Israelites).

17 But if some of the branches were broken off, and you [Gentiles], being like a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among them to share with them the rich root of the olive tree,

18 do not boast over the [broken] branchesandexalt yourself at their expense. If you do boastandfeel superior,remember thatit is not you who supports the root, but the root thatsupportsyou.

19 You will say then, “Branches were broken off so that I might be grafted in.”

20 That is true. They were broken off because of their unbelief, but you stand by your faith [as believers understanding the truth of Christ’s deity]. Do not be conceited, but [rather stand in great awe of God and] fear [Him];

21 for if God did not spare the natural branches [because of unbelief], He will not spare you either.

22 Then appreciate the gracious kindness and the severity of God: to those who fell [into spiritual ruin], severity, but to you, God’sgraciouskindness–if you continue in His kindness [by faith and obedience to Him]; otherwise you too will be cut off.

23 And even they [the unbelieving Jews], if they do not continue in their unbelief, will be grafted in; for God has the power to graft them in again.

24 For if you were cut off from what is by nature a wild olive tree, and against nature were grafted into a cultivated olive tree, how much easier will it be to graft these who are the naturalbranchesback into [the original parent stock of] their own olive tree?

25 I do not want you, believers, to be unaware of this mystery [God’s previously hidden plan]–so that you will not be wise in your own opinion–that a partial hardening has [temporarily] happened to Israel [to last] until the full number of the Gentiles has come in;

26 and so [at that time] all Israel [that is, all Jews who have a personal faith in Jesus as Messiah] will be saved; just as it is written [in Scripture],

“TheDeliverer(Messiah)will come fromZion,

He will remove ungodliness fromJacob.”

27 “This isMy covenant with them,

WhenItake away their sins.”

28 From the standpoint of the gospel, the Jews [at present] are enemies [of God] for your sake [which is for your benefit], but from the standpoint of God’s choice [of the Jews as His people], they are still loved by Him for the sake of the fathers.

29 For the gifts and the calling of God are irrevocable [for He does not withdraw what He has given, nor does He change His mind about those to whom He gives His grace or to whom He sends His call].

30 Just as you once were disobedientandfailed to listen to God, but have now obtained mercy because of their disobedience,

31 so they too have now become disobedient so that they too may one day receive mercy because of the mercy shown to you.

32 For God has imprisoned all in disobedience so that He may show mercy to all [Jew and Gentile alike].

33 Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgmentsanddecisions and how unfathomableanduntraceable are His ways!

34 Forwho has known the mind of theLord,or who has beenHis counselor?

35 Orwho has first given toHim that it would be paid back to him?

36 For from Him [all things originate] and through Him [all things live and exist] and to Him are all things [directed]. To Him be gloryandhonor forever! Amen.

Dedicated Service

1 Therefore I urge you,brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God,which isyour rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship.

2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but betransformedandprogressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you].

3 For by the grace [of God] given to me I say to everyone of you not to think more highly of himself [and of his importance and ability] than he ought to think; but to think so as to have sound judgment, as God has apportioned to each a degree of faith [and a purpose designed for service].

4 For just as in one [physical] body we have many parts, and these parts do not all have the same functionorspecial use,

5 so we, who are many, are [nevertheless just] one body in Christ, and individually [we are] parts one of another [mutually dependent on each other].

6 Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us,each of us is to use them accordingly:if [someone has the gift of] prophecy, [let him speak a new message from God to His people] in proportion to the faithpossessed;

7 if service, in the act of serving; or he who teaches, in the act of teaching;

8 or he who encourages, in the act of encouragement; he who gives, with generosity; he who leads,with diligence; he who shows mercy [in caring for others], with cheerfulness.

9 Love is to be sincereandactive [the real thing–without guile and hypocrisy]. Hate what is evil [detest all ungodliness, do not tolerate wickedness]; hold on tightly to what is good.

10 Be devoted to one another with [authentic] brotherly affection [as members of one family], give preference to one another in honor;

11 never lagging behind in diligence; aglow in the Spirit,enthusiasticallyserving the Lord;

12 constantlyrejoicing in hope [because of our confidence in Christ], steadfastandpatient in distress, devoted to prayer [continually seeking wisdom, guidance, and strength],

13 contributing to the needs of God’s people, pursuing [the practice of] hospitality.

14 Bless those who persecute you [who cause you harm or hardship]; bless and do not curse [them].

15 Rejoice with those who rejoice [sharing others’ joy], and weep with those who weep [sharing others’ grief].

16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty [conceited, self-important, exclusive], but associate with humble people [those with a realistic self-view]. Do not overestimate yourself.

17 Never repay anyone evil for evil. Take thought for what is rightandgraciousandproper in the sight of everyone.

18 If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.

19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave the way open for God’s wrath [and His judicial righteousness]; for it is written [in Scripture], “Vengeance isMine, Iwill repay,” says the Lord.

20 But if your enemy is hungry,feed him;if he is thirsty,give him a drink;for by doing this you will heapburning coals on his head.”

21 Do not be overcomeandconquered by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Be Subject to Government

1 Let every person be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God [granted by His permission and sanction], and those which exist have been put in place by God.

2 Therefore whoeverresists [governmental] authority resists the ordinance of God. And those who have resisted it will bring judgment (civil penalty) on themselves.

3 For [civil] authorities are not a source of fear for [people of] good behavior, but for [those who do] evil. Do you want to be unafraid of authority? Do what is good and you will receive approvalandcommendation.

4 For he is God’s servant to you for good. But if you do wrong, [you should] be afraid; for he does not carry the [executioner’s] sword for nothing. He is God’s servant, an avenger who brings punishment on the wrongdoer.

5 Therefore one must be subject [to civil authorities], not only to escape the punishment [that comes with wrongdoing], but also as a matter of principle [knowing what is right before God].

6 For this same reason you pay taxes, forcivil authoritiesare God’s servants, devoting themselves to governance.

7 Pay to all what is due: tax to whom taxis due,customs to whom customs, respect to whom respect, honor to whom honor.

8 Owe nothing to anyone except toloveandseek the best for one another; for he who [unselfishly] loves his neighbor has fulfilled the [essence of the] law [relating to one’s fellowman].

9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,you shall not murder,you shall not steal,you shall not covet,” and any other commandment are summed up in this statement: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

10 Love does no wrong to a neighbor [it never hurts anyone]. Therefore [unselfish] love is the fulfillment of the Law.

11 Do this, knowing that this is a critical time. It is already the hour for you to awaken from your sleep [of spiritual complacency]; for our salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed [in Christ].

12 The night [this present evil age] is almost gone and the day [of Christ’s return] is almost here. So let us fling away the works of darkness and put on the [full] armor of light.

13 Let us conduct ourselves properlyandhonorably as in the [light of] day, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual promiscuity and irresponsibility, not in quarreling and jealousy.

14 But clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for [nor even think about gratifying] the flesh in regard to its improper desires.