"The Righteousness of God" (Part 2)

In Romans 3:25-31 Paul teaches how the death of Christ glorifies the righteous character of God and eliminates any reason for personal boasting.

Words with dual meanings...

Bat, Fair, Lie, Second, Fine, Clip, Row, Entrance, etc.

There are two ways of thinking of the righteousness of God.

The righteous character and ways of God the Father.

The righteousness of God in the Lord Jesus Christ given to those who have faith in Christ.

This is what Paul is talking about in vv. 21-25a (also Romans 1:17; Galatians 3:11).

Romans 1:17 ESV

For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith for faith, as it is written, “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Galatians 3:11 ESV

Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.”

Now, let’s notice what he says about the other in vv. 25b-26ff.

Why did God the Father send Jesus Christ? (vv. 25b-26)

To be a propitiation...

Why?

“Show” - demonstration, proof , sign

“Forbearance” - self restraint, good-natured tolerance

“Passed over” - deliberately leaving out, not dealing with/punishing (for a time)

“Former sins” - (not all sin) previously transpired sin, sin that happened prior to…this demonstration…this manifestation (v. 21).

“Present time” - current season, in contrast to “former”/previous -

“So that He might be...” - so that He might be seen as… (v. 25 - “show”/ “demonstrate”)

“Just” - righteous (His character), “justifier” - to render righteous or just (His gift)

Notice the paradox that is resolved in this - God’s forbearance and God’s righteousness.

This is the work and the way of God.

Here’s the point - to God be the glory!!!

What does faith eliminate? (vv. 27-28)

“Boasting” - glorying; “excluded” - shut out

Is there any law or any works that anyone can show off? None

If there is any “law” (standard /truth/principle that can be pointed to), it is faith.

Faith properly understood merits no personal credit (Ephesians 2:8–9).

Ephesians 2:8–9 ESV

For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.

This is what Paul has maintained (estimate) on behalf of Christians (v. 28).

How many ways to God are there? (vv. 29-30)

One - if there is only one God, then He is the God of all.

Faith - if the way to that one God is by faith, then it is the same way for everyone.

This eliminates all other ways (Matthew 7:13–14; John 14:6; Acts 4:12).

Matthew 7:13–14 ESV

“Enter by the narrow gate. For the gate is wide and the way is easy that leads to destruction, and those who enter by it are many. For the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few.

John 14:6 ESV

Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.

Acts 4:12 ESV

And there is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”

Can we ignore the Law? (v. 31)

“Overthrow”/ “nullify”/ “make void” - make idle/inactive/inoperative/useless

“Uphold”/ “establish” - cause to stand, maintain

Understanding the place of the Law, helps us understand...

Faith - apart from works

Obedience - place of works (Ephesians 2:10)

Ephesians 2:10 ESV

For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

To God be the glory!

Benediction: COMMUNION

Scripture Reading: Psalm 98