"God's Righteous Rescue"

Bible Passage

Romans 3:21–26 CSB

21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets. 22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God; 24 they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood, through faith, to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. 26 God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus.

Hook (Grab Attention)

Illustration

Ever tried to fix something that only got worse the more you touched it?

Maybe a relationship, a situation, or even your own sense of guilt?

That’s what it's like when we try to fix our broken relationship with God on our own.

We just complicate the situation, the more we “touch” it.

You’ve heard, “everything they touch turns to gold”, but it’s more like this, in our flesh, “everything we touch turns to GONE.”

Transition: In Romans 3, Paul turns a massive corner—from the guilt of all humanity to the grace of God. And he shows us a rescue plan we couldn’t create—but desperately need.

Book

1. God’s Righteousness Has Been Revealed (v.21)

Bible Passage

Romans 3:21 CSB

21 But now, apart from the law, the righteousness of God has been revealed, attested by the Law and the Prophets.

Explanation

“But now” is INCREDIBLY important!

“But now” signals a new chapter in salvation history.

God’s righteousness has been REVEALED in the:

Life of Jesus

Suffering of Jesus

Death of Jesus

Burial of Jesus

Descension of Jesus

Resurrection of Jesus

Ascension of Jesus

God’s righteousness is not earned through the law—but revealed through Jesus Christ!!

It’s not a new idea—it was foretold (“attested by the Law and the Prophets”).

2. Through Faith in Jesus Christ to All Who Believe (vv.22–23)

Romans 3:22–23 CSB

22 The righteousness of God is through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe, since there is no distinction. 23 For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;

Salvation is available to all—but only through faith.

There is no spiritual advantage; all have sinned.

The playing field is level at the foot of the cross.

3. Justified Freely by His Grace (v.24)

Romans 3:24 CSB

24 they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus.

“Justified” = declared righteous in God’s courtroom.

“Freely” = no cost to us. “By grace” = entirely undeserved.

Jesus is the Redeemer—the One who paid the price.

4. Through His Blood—Atonement for Sin (v.25a)

Romans 3:25 CSB

25 “God presented him as the mercy seat by his blood...”

Jesus is the mercy seat—the place where God’s wrath and mercy meet.

His blood satisfies God’s justice.

Why is Blood so significant in God’s Word?

There is no blood more pure than the blood of Jesus.

Faith receives what Christ's blood accomplished.

5. God’s Justice and Justification (vv.25b–26)

"...to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. God presented him to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so that he would be just and justify the one who has faith in Jesus."

God didn’t ignore sin—He restrained judgment until the cross.

The cross shows God is just (He deals with sin) and the justifier (He saves sinners).

Illustration

Look

Application

Timeless Truths:

Righteousness isn’t achieved—it’s received.

Salvation is not a wage we earn, but a gift we trust.

The cross is where God’s justice and love are fully revealed.

Personal Reflection:

Am I trusting in what Jesus did—or in what I’m doing?

Have I really embraced this grace, or am I still trying to prove myself?

Corporate Reflection (for the Church):

Are we proclaiming this grace clearly?

Do our lives reflect joy and humility because we’ve been justified?

Took

Challenge Application

Gospel Invitation:

If you’re tired of trying to fix yourself—come to the One who already finished the work.

Faith in Jesus and genuine repentance brings full forgiveness, full justification, and full acceptance.

Call to Believers:

Live free from guilt—but not from gratitude.

Worship the One who didn’t just forgive sin but absorbed its full penalty.

Closing Illustration:

Picture a courtroom: the Judge steps down from the bench, removes your sentence, and takes it upon Himself—then declares, “You are free.” That’s what God has done in Christ.