First Epistle to the Corinthians

Whoever will candidly consider each detail will recognize the greatness of the gifts given by him. For from him have come the priests and all the Levites who minister at the altar of God. From him also descended our Lord Jesus Christ according to the flesh. From him arose kings, princes, and rulers of the race of Judah. Nor are his other tribes in small glory, since God had promised, “Your seed shall be as the stars of heaven.” All these, therefore, were highly honored and made great, not for their own sake, or for their own works, or for the righteousness they accomplished, but through the operation of His will. And we, too, being called by His will in Christ Jesus, are not justified by ourselves, nor by our own wisdom, or understanding, or godliness, or works we have accomplished in holiness of heart; but by that faith through which, from the beginning, Almighty God has justified all people; to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.