Righteousness through Faith in Christ
(Romans 3:21–31)

1Finally, my brethren, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you to me, indeed, is not irksome, while for you it is safe.

2Beware of the dogs, beware of the evil-workers, beware of the mutilation. 3For we are the circumcision, who worship by the Spirit of God, and glory in Christ Jesus, and have no confidence in flesh: 4though I might have confidence even in flesh; if any other man supposes that he has occasion for confidence in flesh, I more: 5circumcised the eighth day, of the race of Israel, of the tribe of Benjamin, a Hebrew of Hebrews; as to the law, a Pharisee; 6as to zeal, persecuting the assembly: as to the righteousness which is in the law, blameless.

7But what things were gain to me, these I accounted loss for Christ. 8Nay, more, I even account all things to be loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I suffered the loss of all things, and account them refuse, that I may gain Christ. 9and be found in Him, not having my own righteousness, which is of law, but that which is through faith in Christ?the righteousness which is of God by faith: 10that I may know Him, and the power of His resurrection, and the fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11if by any means I may attain to the out-resurrection from the dead.

Pressing on toward the Goal

12Not that I already obtained, or have already been made perfect; but I am pressing on, if I may lay hold of that for which I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13Brethren, I do not account myself to have laid hold of it; but one thing I do, forgetting the things which are behind, and reaching forth to the things before. 14I am pressing on toward the mark, for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus. 15Let us, therefore, as many as are perfect, think this: and, if in anything ye think differently, even this God will reveal to you; 16nevertheless, whereunto we advanced, by the same rule let us walk.

Citizenship in Heaven

17Brethren, become imitators together of me, and mark those who so walk, as ye have us as an example. 18For many are walking, of whom I often told you, and now tell you even weeping, that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ. 19whose end is destruction, whose god is their belly, and whose glory is in their shame, who are thinking of earthly things. 20For our citizenship is in Heaven, whence also we are waiting for a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ; 21Who will transform the body of our humiliation into conformity to the body of His glory, according to the working whereby He is able also to subject all things to Himself.