Romans 3:21-26

“but now” -> directs our attention back to the topic of Rom. 1:17

God’s Righteousness Revealed (v. 21)

The righteousness of God has been revealed -> it has been shown and is not hidden!

The righteousness of God has been revealed apart from the Law

The righteousness of God does not come by doing the works of the Law (v. 20) -> it comes apart from the Law

Whereas in the past the righteousness of God was seen predominantly in the law, it is now seen entirely in the works of Jesus Christ

The Law with its customs and sacrifices are no more -> faith in Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of that Law is the emphasis

The righteousness of God has been testified of by the Law and the Prophets

More than just shown, it was expected through the Law and Prophets -> search the scriptures (Jn. 5:33-40)!

God’s Righteousness Imputed (vv. 22-24)

Seeing as how we have fallen short, we need God’s righteousness given to us, not to manufacture our own righteousness

The righteousness of God is given by faith in Jesus Christ -> It is given and applied to all who believe

There is no difference in those who believe -> whether Nicodemus or the crucified thief, Jew or gentile, religious or unreligious

All have fallen short of God’s glory due to their sin, and all need to trust in Jesus alone

Justification comes freely by the grace of God, not as repayment by the power of God -> a grace that is earned is no grace at all!

Justification is separation from the penalty of sin, which is eternal death

Justification comes through redemption -> this implies that our present state is not worthy (Col. 1:14)

That redemption is only found in Jesus (1 Tim. 2:3-6)

Just and Justifier (vv. 25-26)

The Son has been set forth (publicly displayed) by the Father -> this thing was not done in a corner (Acts 26:26)

He has been displayed to be a propitiation (proprietary sacrifice, sacrifice owned by God and made to God) for our sins

The love of God as shown in the sacrifice of Jesus is meant to be beheld by the world as proof of His righteousness and love (1 Jn. 3:1)

The sacrifice is applied to those with faith in His blood -> faith that the sacrifice is sufficient to cover them

The idea is displayed in the Passover -> faith that the blood will cover your sins is all that is required

This sacrifice declared the righteousness of God!

Because God, in restraint, passed over the sins previously committed -> behold the contradiction of sinners against Him!

The method of forgiveness proves that God is both a just God and the one who justifies the lost sinner who has faith in Jesus

God does not sacrifice His justice in order to forgive sins -> instead He pays the price Himself!