In this epistle, Paul stands firm against those who misunderstood the gospel message (1:9). Although some believe Paul focuses on the works of the law that culturally distinguished Jews and Gentiles, his focus rather is on any human attempt to be justified by obeying a moral law. God justifies sinners—he declares them righteous in his sight—through faith, not by their deeds of religious performance (2:16). OT law was designed to point people to their need for God’s mercy and ultimately for Christ’s sacrifice for their sin (3:24). It was not designed to provide moral stairsteps to please God and reach heaven by ethical or religious achievement, even if some in Paul’s setting advanced that claim.