OYB Season 6, Episode 11

What then shall we say was gained by Abraham, our forefather according to the flesh? For if Abraham was justified by works, he has something to boast about, but not before God. For what does the Scripture say? “Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness.” Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due. And to the one who does not work but believes in him who justifies the ungodly, his faith is counted as righteousness, just as David also speaks of the blessing of the one to whom God counts righteousness apart from works:

“Blessed are those whose lawless deeds are forgiven,

and whose sins are covered; blessed is the man against whom the Lord will not count his sin.”

Romans 3:21-26

Can a profession of faith without works save us? In this passage, Paul uses Abraham as an example to illustrate that righteousness comes through faith, not through adherence to the law.

The fact is, God owes us nothing. And the only way we can approach God is when we are covered by the righteousness of someone else -- Jesus Christ. Without Him, we are lost. 

simul justus et peccator -- we are simultaneously made just by God's grace and remain sinners.