January 10 - Romans 3:21-31

Romans 3:21-31 – Righteousness Through Faith

But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,  through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished—he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus. 

Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

Paul has made it very clear that no one is exempt from sin. And with a single conjunction, he brings light back to the conversation. “But …”

“But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify” (Romans 3:21).

There is hope and it doesn't come from mankind, the same place where sin has taken hold. This hope comes in the form of righteousness that can only be found in God.

God did not set aside His integrity. His grace comes through the sacrificial atonement of Jesus Christ. He has given us the opportunity to come before him fully cleansed of all sin.

There is such power in Paul’s words, but though they are many, the meaning is simply this: Everyone has sinned. No one can save themselves into eternal life. Jesus Christ died so that we can stand before God and be declared “Not guilty.”

Whether you are Jew or Gentile, you are justified through faith in Jesus Christ.