2 ¹⁵ We ourselves are Jews by birth, not Gentiles and sinners. 2 ^{16 [ Ps.143.2. ]} But we know that no man is ever justified by doing what the law demands, but only through faith in Christ Jesus; so we too have put our faith in Jesus Christ, in order that we might be justified through this faith, and not through deeds dictated by law; for by such deeds, Scripture says, no mortal man shall be justified.
2 ¹⁷ If now, in seeking to be justified in Christ, we ourselves no less than the Gentiles turn out to be sinners against the law, Or: no less than the Gentiles have accepted the position of sinners against the law. does that mean that Christ is an is abettor of sin? No, never! 2 ¹⁸ No, if I start building up again a system which I have pulled down, then it is that I show myself up as a transgressor of the law. 2 ¹⁹ For through the law I died to law—to live for God. 2 ²⁰ I have been crucified with Christ: the life I now live is not my life, but the life which Christ lives in me; and my present bodily life is lived by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself up for me. 2 ²¹ I will not nullify the grace of God; if righteousness comes by law, then Christ died for nothing.