Thematic Bible




Thematic Bible





But now distinct from the law the righteousness of God is manifest, receiving testimony from the law and the prophets; the righteousness of God indeed by faith in Jesus Christ unto all and upon all that believe: for there is no difference:




For by grace ye are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not by works, lest any man should boast;


And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as by the works of the law. For they stumbled against that stone of stumbling;


Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have we not cast out devils? and in thy name done many miracles? And then will I profess unto them, that I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.


But if by grace, it is no more by works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if by works, it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

But even then the kindness and love of God our Saviour to man shone forth, not for works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and by renovation of the Holy Spirit;


Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor sodomites, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God. Yet such were some of you: but ye have been washed, but ye have been sanctified, but ye have been justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the spirit of our God.

For we ourselves also in time past were thoughtless, disobedient, erroneous, enslaved by various passions and pleasures, living in malice and envy, hateful, hating one another. But even then the kindness and love of God our Saviour to man shone forth, not for works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and by renovation of the Holy Spirit; read more.
which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Saviour; that justified by his grace, we might become heirs in hope of eternal life.


for this hath God fulfilled to their children, even to us, in raising up Jesus: as it is also written in the second Psalm, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." But that he raised him from the dead, no more in future to return to corruption, he hath thus spoken, "I will give you the holy things of David, which are sure." Wherefore also he saith in another place, "Thou wilt not permit thy Holy One to see corruption." read more.
For David indeed, after having served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was placed with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he, whom God raised up, saw no corruption. Be it therefore known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man remission of sin is proclaimed to you: and by this man shall every one who believeth be justified from all things, from which it was not possible that he should be justified by the law of Moses.

for all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; justified freely by his grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus:

For even then when we were without strength, Christ died in due time for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous person will any one die: though for a good man perhaps some one might even dare to die. But God commendeth his own love towards us, that, though we were yet sinners, Christ died in our stead. read more.
Therefore much more, being justified already by his blood, shall we be saved by him from wrath. For if, being enemies, we have been reconciled to God by the death of his son, much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved by his life. And not so only, but we exult in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom already we have received reconciliation. Therefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and by sin death; even so death passed into all men through him, in whom all have sinned. For until the law sin was in the world: but sin is not imputed if there be no law. But death reigned from Adam unto Moses, even over those who have not sinned after the similitude of the transgression of Adam, who is a type of him that was to come. But not as the transgression, so also [is] the gift. For if by the transgression of one the many became dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is in that one man, Christ Jesus, hath abounded unto many. And the gift [is] not as for one who sinned: for the judgment indeed [came] by one to condemnation, but the free gift [leads] to justification from many offences. For if by the offence of one, death reigned by that one; much more they who receive the abundance of grace, and of the gift of righteousness, shall reign in life by one, Christ Jesus. Well then, as by the offence of one, [judgment issued] against all men unto condemnation; so also by the righteousness of one, [the gift came] to all men for justification unto life. For as by the disobedience of one man the many were constituted sinners; so also by the obedience of one shall the many be constituted righteous.

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law; because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. For if seeking to be justified by Christ, we also ourselves should be found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build up again the very same things which I have pulled down, I stamp myself a transgressor. read more.
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I should live unto God. I am crucified with Christ, yet I live; though no more I, but Christ liveth in me: and my present life in the flesh, is a life by faith in the Son of God, who hath loved me, and delivered up himself for me.

he then added, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He abolishes the first that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all. And every priest standeth indeed daily performing the divine service, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which cannot possibly take away sins: read more.
but this person, having offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever hath seated himself at the right hand of God; henceforth waiting till his enemies be put as a footstool for his feet. For by one oblation he hath made those perfect for ever who are sanctified.




for this hath God fulfilled to their children, even to us, in raising up Jesus: as it is also written in the second Psalm, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." But that he raised him from the dead, no more in future to return to corruption, he hath thus spoken, "I will give you the holy things of David, which are sure." Wherefore also he saith in another place, "Thou wilt not permit thy Holy One to see corruption." read more.
For David indeed, after having served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was placed with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he, whom God raised up, saw no corruption. Be it therefore known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man remission of sin is proclaimed to you: and by this man shall every one who believeth be justified from all things, from which it was not possible that he should be justified by the law of Moses.

For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them." But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because "The just by faith shall live."

But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not our father Abraham justified by works, when he offered up Isaac his son upon the altar? Thou seest that faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith consummated. read more.
And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, "Abraham believed God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness;" and he was called "the friend of God." Observe therefore that by works a man is justified, and not by faith merely.



AND certain persons coming down from Judea taught the brethren, That if ye are not circumcised according to the ordinances of Moses, ye cannot be saved. There being therefore no small contention and dispute maintained by Paul and Barnabas against them, they determined that Paul and Barnabas, and certain others of their body, should go up to the apostles and presbyters at Jerusalem, for the decision of this question. They therefore being sent on their way by the church, passed through Phoenicia and Samaria, giving a particular narrative of the conversion of the Gentiles: and they gave great joy to all the brethren. read more.
Then when they arrived at Jerusalem, they were cordially received by the church, and the apostles and presbyters, and they related how great things God had done by them. But up rose some of the pharisaical sect, who professed the faith, insisting, That it was necessary to circumcise them, and to enjoin them to observe the law of Moses. Then the apostles and presbyters were assembled to consider of this matter. When after much dispute, Peter arose, and said unto them, Men and brethren, ye know that a considerable time ago God chose among us, by my mouth, that the Gentiles should hear the gospel-word, and believe. And God, who is the discerner of the heart, bore them witness, giving them the Holy Ghost, even as to us; and made no difference betwixt either us or them, purifying their hearts by faith. Why then now tempt ye God, by imposing a yoke on the neck of the disciples, which neither our fathers nor we were able to bear? But we believe that we shall be saved by the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, in the same way as they. Then the whole multitude kept silence, and listened to Barnabas and Paul, relating how great signs and miracles God had wrought among the Gentiles by them. Now when they ceased speaking, James replied, saying, Men and brethren, hear me: Simon hath fully related, how at first God graciously looked upon [the Gentiles], to take from them a people for his name. And in accord with this are the words of the prophets; as it is written, "After this will I return, and build again the tabernacle of David, that is fallen; and re-edify what hath been dug up from the foundation, and will set it upright again: that the residue of men may diligently seek the Lord, and all the Gentiles, among whom my name is invoked, even among them, saith the Lord, who doth all these things." Known unto God from the beginning are all his works. Therefore I am decided, that we give no unnecessary disquietude to those who from the heathen have turned to God: but that we write to them, that they abstain from pollutions of idol [sacrifices], and from whoredom, and from what is strangled, and from blood. For Moses for ages past in every city hath those who preach him, being read in the synagogues every sabbath-day. Then it was determined by the apostles and presbyters with the whole church, to send select men from themselves unto Antioch with Paul and Barnabas; Judas surnamed Barsabas, and Silas, leading men among the brethren; writing a letter by their hand, in these words: The apostles and presbyters and the brethren, to the brethren from among the Gentiles which are at Antioch, and in Syria, and Cilicia, greeting: Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain persons who went out from us have disturbed you with discourses, unsettling your minds, insisting, that you should be circumcised, and observe the law: to whom we gave no such charge: it hath seemed fit to us, assembled unanimously, to send unto you select men with our beloved Barnabas and Paul, men who have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. We have sent therefore Judas and Silas, and they by word of mouth will tell you the same things. For it hath seemed good to the Holy Ghost and to us, to lay upon you no other burden except these things which are of absolute necessity; that ye abstain from eating whatever is sacrificed to idols, and from blood, and from what is strangled, and from whoredom: from which things carefully preserving yourselves, ye shall do well. Farewell.


But if by grace, it is no more by works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if by works, it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

But when I saw that they walked not directly according to the truth of the gospel, I said to Peter before them all, If thou, being a Jew, livest as the Gentiles, and not as do the Jews, why compellest thou the Gentiles to judaize? We who are Jews by descent, and not sinners sprung from Gentiles, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law; because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. read more.
For if seeking to be justified by Christ, we also ourselves should be found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build up again the very same things which I have pulled down, I stamp myself a transgressor. For I through the law am dead to the law, that I should live unto God. I am crucified with Christ, yet I live; though no more I, but Christ liveth in me: and my present life in the flesh, is a life by faith in the Son of God, who hath loved me, and delivered up himself for me. I do not set at nought the grace of God; for if righteousness came by the law, truly Christ hath died in vain.













But their understandings were darkened: for unto this day the same veil in their reading the old testament abideth unremoved; which veil is taken away by Christ. For unto this day, when Moses is read, the veil is spread over their hearts. Nevertheless, when Israel shall turn unto the Lord, the veil shall be taken away.


THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath liberated me from the law of sin and of death. For that which was impossible by the law, inasmuch as it was impotent through the flesh, God having sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in that flesh: read more.
that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled by us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

ARE you unacquainted, brethren, (for I am speaking to those who know the law,) that the law exercises dominion over a person for as long time as he liveth? For the woman who is subject to a husband, is bound by the law to that husband during his life; but if the husband be dead, she is discharged from that husband. She shall therefore certainly be counted an adulteress, if, her husband being alive, she be for another man: but if her husband is dead, she is free from the law; so that she shall be no adulteress, though married to another husband. read more.
Wherefore, my brethren, ye also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ; that ye might be for another, who was raised from the dead, that we might bring forth fruit for God. For when we were in the flesh, the sinful passions excited by the law, wrought powerfully in our members, to bring forth fruit unto death. But now we have been discharged from the law, that being dead by which we were held fast; that we should serve in renovation of spirit, and not in the antiquity of the letter. What then shall we say? Is the law sin? God forbid. Yea, I had not known sin, but by the law: for I had not even known concupiscence, unless the law had said, Thou shalt not covet. But sin, seizing the opportunity by the law, wrought in me all concupiscence. For without the law sin is dead. For though I lived without the law formerly; yet when the commandment came, sin revived, but I died. And the commandment, which [was] for life, the same was found by me for death. For sin, seizing the occasion by the commandment, deceived me, and thereby slew me. So then the law indeed is holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good. Did then that which is good become fatal to me? God forbid. But sin, that it might appear sin by that which was good [in itself], was the cause of death to me; that sin through the commandment might become transcendantly sinful. For we know that the law is spiritual; but I am fleshly, sold under sin. For that which I am doing I approve not: for not the thing which I wish, that do I practise; but the very thing I hate, that I do. But if what I would not, that I do, I concur with the law that it is excellent. Now then no more I do this, but sin dwelling in me. For I know that there dwelleth not in me (that is, in my flesh) any good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. For I do not the good which I wish: but the evil which I would not, that I do. If then I do that which I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. I find then a law, that, when I wish to do good, evil is presented to me. For I am delighted with the law of God, as respecting the inward man: but I see another law in my members, militating against the law in my mind, and making me captive to the law of sin which is in my members. O wretched man, I! who shall pluck me from the body of this death? I give thanks to God through Jesus Christ our Lord. Well then, I myself with my mind am servant to the law of God; but in my flesh to the law of sin.

knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law; because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. For if seeking to be justified by Christ, we also ourselves should be found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid. For if I build up again the very same things which I have pulled down, I stamp myself a transgressor. read more.
For I through the law am dead to the law, that I should live unto God. I am crucified with Christ, yet I live; though no more I, but Christ liveth in me: and my present life in the flesh, is a life by faith in the Son of God, who hath loved me, and delivered up himself for me. I do not set at nought the grace of God; for if righteousness came by the law, truly Christ hath died in vain.

For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them." But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because "The just by faith shall live." Now the law is not by faith: but "The man that doeth these things shall live by them." read more.
Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who is hanged on a tree:" that unto the Gentiles the benediction pronounced on Abraham might come by Jesus Christ, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit by faith.

So we also, when we were infants, were in bondage under the first elementary principles of the world: but when the fulness of time was come, God sent forth his Son born of a woman, born under the law, that he might redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. read more.
But because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father! Therefore thou art no more a slave, but a son, and if a son, an heir also of God through Christ. But at that time when ye knew not God, ye served those who by nature are not gods. But now after having known God, or rather being known of God, how turn ye back again to those weak and beggarly elements, to which again a second time ye desire to be in bondage? Ye observe days, and months, and times, and years. I am afraid for you, lest haply I have bestowed on you labour in vain.

but now in Christ Jesus, ye who formerly were far off, are become nigh by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of separation, destroying the enmity in his flesh, even the law of precepts, in ordinances, that he might from the two create in himself one new man, making peace,



THERE is therefore now no condemnation to those who are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath liberated me from the law of sin and of death. For that which was impossible by the law, inasmuch as it was impotent through the flesh, God having sent his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in that flesh: read more.
that the righteousness of the law might be fulfilled by us, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.



for this hath God fulfilled to their children, even to us, in raising up Jesus: as it is also written in the second Psalm, "Thou art my Son, this day have I begotten thee." But that he raised him from the dead, no more in future to return to corruption, he hath thus spoken, "I will give you the holy things of David, which are sure." Wherefore also he saith in another place, "Thou wilt not permit thy Holy One to see corruption." read more.
For David indeed, after having served his own generation by the will of God, fell asleep, and was placed with his fathers, and saw corruption. But he, whom God raised up, saw no corruption. Be it therefore known unto you, men and brethren, that through this man remission of sin is proclaimed to you: and by this man shall every one who believeth be justified from all things, from which it was not possible that he should be justified by the law of Moses.

as Abraham believed in God, and it was imputed to him for righteousness. Know then that they who are of faith, these are the children of Abraham. And the scripture foreseeing that by faith God would justify the Gentiles, preached the gospel before unto Abraham, saying, that "In thee shall all the nations be blessed." read more.
Wherefore they who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. For as many as are of the works of the law, are under a curse: for it is written, "Cursed is every one who continueth not in all the things written in the book of the law to do them." But that by the law no man is justified before God is evident: because "The just by faith shall live."

NOW the law, having a shadow of the good things which were to come, not the very substance of the things, cannot possibly, by the same sacrifices which they offer year by year continually, make those perfect who approach [God]; else they would have discontinued to make the offering, because they who performed the service being once made clean, would have had no more sense of sins on their conscience. But in these [sacrifices] there is a commemoration of sins every year. read more.
For it is impossible that the blood of bulls and goats should take away sin. Wherefore, coming into the world, he saith, "Sacrifice and oblation thou hast not chosen, but thou hast exactly fashioned a body for me: thou hast had no delight in whole burnt-offerings and sacrifices for sin: then I said, Here am I; (in the volume of the book it is written of me) I come to do thy will, O God." Having said before that sacrifice, and oblation, and whole burnt-offerings and sin-offerings thou hast not chosen, nor takest pleasure in, (which are offered according to the law,) he then added, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He abolishes the first that he may establish the second. By the which will we are sanctified through the oblation of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all. And every priest standeth indeed daily performing the divine service, and frequently offering the same sacrifices, which cannot possibly take away sins: but this person, having offered one sacrifice for sins, for ever hath seated himself at the right hand of God; henceforth waiting till his enemies be put as a footstool for his feet. For by one oblation he hath made those perfect for ever who are sanctified. Now the Holy Ghost also beareth this testimony to us: for after declaring before,


knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified by faith in Christ, and not by works of the law; because by the works of the law shall no flesh be justified. For if seeking to be justified by Christ, we also ourselves should be found sinners, is Christ then a minister of sin? God forbid.


For by grace ye are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not by works, lest any man should boast;


And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as by the works of the law. For they stumbled against that stone of stumbling;


Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have we not cast out devils? and in thy name done many miracles? And then will I profess unto them, that I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.


But if by grace, it is no more by works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if by works, it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

But even then the kindness and love of God our Saviour to man shone forth, not for works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and by renovation of the Holy Spirit;


For by grace ye are saved through faith, and this not of yourselves; it is the gift of God: not by works, lest any man should boast;


And why? Because they sought it not by faith, but as by the works of the law. For they stumbled against that stone of stumbling;


Many will say unto me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? and in thy name have we not cast out devils? and in thy name done many miracles? And then will I profess unto them, that I never knew you: depart from me, ye workers of iniquity.


But if by grace, it is no more by works: otherwise grace is no more grace. But if by works, it is no more grace: otherwise work is no more work.

But even then the kindness and love of God our Saviour to man shone forth, not for works of righteousness which we had done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the laver of regeneration, and by renovation of the Holy Spirit;