that creation itself would be set free from its bondage to decay, and have the glorious freedom of the children of God.

As Isaiah foretold, "If the Lord of Hosts had not left us children, We would have been like Sodom, and have resembled Gomorrah!"

Moses said that anyone who carried out the uprightness the Law prescribed would find life through it.

But if it is by his mercy, it is not for anything they have done. Otherwise, his mercy would not be mercy at all.

By the favor that God has shown me, I would tell every one of you not to think too highly of himself, but to think reasonably, judging himself by the degree of faith God has allowed him.