Romans 3:21-31

So far, the first three chapters of Paul’s letter to the Roman Christians had reminded them about the extent of man’s sin against a holy God (1:18-32; 2:17-27) in spite of His repeated efforts to reveal the truth to them (1:18-23). Instead of repenting and committing to live a pure life, men would often follow their human instincts and fall further away from God. Because of man’s rebellion and pride, God rightfully holds men accountable for their sin which ultimately must be paid for by death (2:1-16; 6:23). In case anyone, Jew or Gentile, thought he could earn favor with God through good works, Paul made it clear that all have sinned and are therefore guilty of breaking God’s law (3:1-20). The Jews particularly believed that following the rituals and traditions of the ceremonial law automatically placed them in a right standing before God; however, Paul stated that the law also had a moral aspect which they had not kept. Paul declared, “Therefore by the deeds of the law no flesh will be justified [to declare righteous] in His sight, for by the law is the knowledge of sin” (3:20). In summary, Paul has written that man is sinful and needs righteousness to be delivered from the consequences of sin; but he cannot earn righteousness on his own so he desperately needs righteousness from another source.

With these summaries in mind, the reader is now ready to learn how he can obtain the righteousness needed in order to be saved from the power and penalty of sin. Paul writes, “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” (3:21-23). A person is not made righteous before God by keeping the law, but rather by putting their faith in Jesus Christ. Paul goes on to explain that righteousness was provided to the sinner without any cost because Jesus paid the penalty through His death, which was necessary to satisfy the wrath of God upon sin (3:24). Like a prisoner who is bound, sinners are held captive by sin but have been released (redeemed) through the payment of another (propitiation), Jesus Christ the righteous (3:25). However, that release from the penalty of sin is contingent upon the repentance of the sinner and faith in God’s provision for forgiveness (3:26).

Since righteousness is only found through faith in Jesus Christ, no one could boast that they had obtained salvation through their own merits and Paul wanted to make sure his readers understood this truth (3:27). He anticipates their reaction to this teaching, so he emphatically states, “…a man is justified [made righteous] by faith apart from the deeds of the law” (3:28). Does this mean that the law is no longer necessary? No. God’s law is extremely important because it provides the knowledge of right and wrong, the penalty for doing wrong, man’s inability to keep it, and ultimately draws people to seek righteousness through Jesus Christ (3:31; see also Galatians 3:24-26). The law exposes our sinfulness, but the blood of Jesus Christ covers the sins of those who evidence faith in Him.

Dear God, thank You for providing righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ for without it I would still be a slave to sin and its penalties.