Christ is the Answer

HOW TO ACCESS GOD'S RIGHTEOUSNESS

By Ezekiel Kimosop

INTRODUCTION

In our previous study of Romans 2:17-24, we learned that human sinfulness is universal and that God's righteous judgement fell on all mankind since Adam.

We also learned that no ritual can add to what Christ has accomplished at Calvary and that the Jewish demand for ritual circumcision on the Gentiles was misplaced. 

Paul's argument on the futility of circumcision stretches through to Romans 2:25-29. 

In Romans 3:1-8, Paul defends God's righteous judgement against both the Jew and the Gentile. 

Nothing that a man does, not even ritual circumcision or the futile attempt at complying with the Jewish law could earn him a righteous standing before God.

Romans 3:9-20 concludes Paul's argument with a declaration that all have sinned and obedience to the law could offer no cure. Romans 3:10-18 is a portrayal of man's helplessness outside Christ.

Today, we continue with our survey study through passages of Scripture in the Book of Romans. We shall examine Romans 3:21-26.

THE PASSAGE

The title of the passage of Romans 3:21-26 below has been borrowed from the NKJV.

God’s Righteousness Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

BIBLICAL ANALYSIS

Under this passage, the Bible demonstrates that the righteousness of God in Christ. This righteousness has historical foundation in the prophets who foretold the coming of Christ (3:21). It was distinct from the righteousness that is founded on obedience to Moses.

This righteousness is exclusively obtained through faith in Christ to all and on all who believe (3:22). This kind of faith demanded no works. One was merely required to believe in Christ Jesus.

This revelation perhaps didn't make sense to the traditional Jew who was was familiar with the articles of the old covenant. However, this was God's exclusive way of assigning righteousness under the new covenant. 

Romans 3:23 is a refrain from Paul's previous arguments. It proclaims that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. 

Notice here that the Greek verb for "fall short" is in the present indicative middle or passive third person plural. This attests to the fact that it is a standing assessment of man's sinfulness in all ages since Adam and into the future without Christ. 

The law miserably failed in offering a divine remedy for this shortfall.

McLaren's Exposition observes the futility of the law as thus: "The more clearly we know our duty, the more poignant will be our consciousness of failure."

Which is the glory of God contemplated in 3:23?

Bengel's Exposition considers the glory of God as the glory of the divine righteousness which man, through sin, falls short.

This is God's moral glory and it's requirements for man. Ellicott's Commentary renders it as "the glory which comes from the favour and approval of God." 

The Jews could not attain God's divine standards even with the strictest adherence to Moses and neither could the Gentiles. It was simply impossible to sufficiently comply with the law which itself was a constant reminder of our human fallenness and the need for a Savior.

The law was therefore meant to bear witness to a future perfect revelation of God's righteousness in Christ.

It was a shadow of the good things to come (Hebrews 10:1). 

The universality of the fall of Adam required a universal solution in Christ. 

Romans 3:24 offers the ultimate solution to man's sinfulness. It declares that man must be "justified freely by His [God's] grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus."

There can perhaps be no clearer portrayal. We must therefore place our faith in Jesus Christ "whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed" (3:25).

In Christ Jesus, our search for a divine solution for sin comes to an end. Jesus is God's answer to our hopelessness. He perfectly meets God's holy standards and appeases His wrath in Adam. 

Once we come to Christ, our past is completely atoned by His sinless blood and we are fully justified in the presence of God. 

This atonement is an act of God's grace and mercy. It reveals His immeasurable love towards the sinner and His redemption plan for those who respond to His saving grace in Christ (3:25). 

APPLICATION

No matter what religion man devices or designs, he will find no solution outside Christ. God's offer of redemption in Christ is final. Those who reject Christ have no future, no hope of redemption.

Any religion or sect that is not founded on Christ's finished works of the cross is worthless. This is true of any religion that operates under the prescriptions of men. 

Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega; the first and the last (Rev. 1:8). He is Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29; cf.1:36). 

Is Christ the anchor on which your faith stands today? If so, you are secure in God.

© Ezekiel Kimosop 2019