Romans 3:21-31

Introduction:

What is Paul saying in the first 20 verses of chapter 3?

Summary of chapters 1-2: Everyone is broken, bent away from God, sinners

Human sin does not cancel out the faithfulness of God - a theme that will be picked up later in chapters 9-11

I. Everyone has sinned and fallen short of the glory of God

A. Glory of God

B. Sin

II. Everyone can be justified by the grace of God

A. Redemption - purchase of freedom

B. Justification - not guilty

C. Propitiation - the means of the removal of divine wrath (anger, righteous response to real injustice)

Conclusion: God is both just and loving in the cross of Jesus