Romans 3:21-30

Romans 3:21–26 ESV

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

BE Righteous and offer that Righteousness to God and He will accept you.

God gives you a righteousness that’s not your own. He then accepts you on the basis of that righteousness.

How does these people who are under sin become righteous before a holy God?

Righteousness is received through faith in Christ.

Romans 3:22 ESV

22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction:

Righteousness is received not achieved.

Romans 3:23–24 ESV

23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

It is the work of Christ that merits our salvation. That is simply the means of receiving the finished work of Christ.

Tim Keller Put it this way!

If you come to think that your belief is the cause of your salvation, you will stop looking at Christ and start looking at your faith.

How can God be righteous when He acquits guilty men?

How can he always do what is right while pardoning sinners who rightly deserve judgment?

Romans 3:25–26 ESV

25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

The Cross is the place where the judge takes the judgment.