The Righteousness of God
Romans 3:21-31
📖 Scripture
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.
22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.
25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished
26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith.
28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too,
30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith.
31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
📝 Scripture Summary
Paul explains that the righteousness of God has been made known apart from the Law. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. All have sinned and fall short of God’s glory and are justified freely by His grace. God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement to demonstrate His righteousness and justice.
💡 Memory Verse
Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.
– Romans 5:1
🔎 Reflection
Justified by Faith (3:21–26)
The laws of God ultimately point us to Jesus, who fully embodies the glory of God. Despite humanity’s sinfulness, God held back His judgment so that Christ could offer redemption through His sinless life. His sacrifice did not negate the Law but restored what humans alone could not achieve. The Law cannot make us righteous, but it helps us recognize the depth of our sin for which only God can atone, making the righteousness we now receive from Him all the more meaningful. Paul tells us to have faith in Christ because we can trust a God who is able to bestow righteousness apart from the Law in a fully gracious manner. In this way, Jesus stands at the center of our salvation, revealing both His justice and grace in full measure.
Take time to and picture your sins crucified on the cross with Jesus. Praise Him for His saving love and redemptive sacrifice.
Upholding the Law (3:27–31)
Paul does not dismiss the Law but redefines its role in our lives. Christians do not follow God’s Law out of obligation or to earn salvation. We uphold God’s Law as an extension of our faith and trust in God. The Law is a way to live out our faith. We do not boast in our achievement of following God’s laws. Instead, our actions celebrate Christ who made our righteousness possible. His commands are not burdensome because they are an avenue through which we can express our newfound identity in Christ. The Law is not a means of achieving righteousness through works; it shows what it looks like for God’s people made righteous by Jesus to live out their faith through God’s grace.
Think back on your week and consider how your actions celebrate Christ. How do your actions match the righteous living the Law describes?
✍️ Today’s Inspiration
“The law finds its end in Christ, who sets believers free from the curse of the law . . . so that they may walk according to the Spirit and delight in God’s law in their inner selves.” – Herman Bavinck
Prayer
Gracious God, thank you for Your loving commands. Help me to center Christ in my life so that I may follow Your laws with joy and compassion. Help me to share Your love through my actions, and may You be glorified in my life. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.
Essay
Raising Our Children in the Law
How do we teach our children to be ethical without reducing faith to works? This has been a big challenge for me, especially when working in youth ministry. Some believers become legalistic, measuring their faith by how well they follow the rules. Others confess faith in Jesus without demonstrating any works. Now that my own son is a toddler, I have found myself in a similar dilemma. My son has become increasingly rebellious. I have had to set rules and enforce discipline, learning to demonstrate authority without losing my temper, especially during the tenth argument over brushing his teeth. Through these small daily battles of wills, I am beginning to understand God’s laws in a new light. We give commands because we love our children, but the greatest challenge is not enforcing the law; it is helping them to love it. As I spend time with my son brushing his teeth, I remember that following God’s laws does not have to be a chore. It can be a moment of connection—time spent together with our heavenly Father. Many parents will recognize that we do not want robotic obedience from our children. We long for them to follow our example because they trust us and know that we love them. Similarly, God gave His commandments out of His love and care for His people before Christ came to fulfill the Law. As we raise our children in faith, may we do more than teach them God’s commands. Let us show them how we cherish our Savior and His Word. Written by John Bak
