Paul’s rebuke of the Jews and Gentiles alike now merges in one common promise made by God to Abraham, that righteousness stems by faith in Jesus Christ.
The apostle begins this section of his letter to the Roman churches by explaining the fact righteousness did not come from the law.
Made known onto man through prophesy, the righteousness of God is now readily available to man through faith in Jesus Christ.
“21 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify.” (Romans 3:21)
Through faith God declares us righteous, by grace He opens the gates of heaven to those who choose life over death, light over darkness. Biblically there are only two options for man upon physical death, one being eternal life while the other is eternal darkness, whaling and gnashing of teeth in a place called hell.
“22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22-24)
The first step in righteousness involves trust in the Lord, a concept by which believers accept the word of God as truth. Through the word of God almighty the righteous are sanctified by their works as each one walks in Jesus’ footsteps at his and her own pace. Neither Jew or Gentile, nor creed or denomination matters to God. The only way to eternal life is through Jesus Christ who shed His blood and died on the cross so we could live.
“25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.” (Romans 3:25-26)
The sacrifice of the Lamb was the fulfillment of prophecy made possible by God’s divine grace. Through the blood of Jesus God brought punishment for sin and offered redemption for sins to come. Jesus died so we could live, then just as He promised, Christ rose from the dead on the third day fulfilling prophecy once more.
“27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith.” (Romans 3:27)
The Jews has been boasting about the Law and the fact they were God’s chosen people. Here Paul rebukes them for boasting about the very thing that actually condemned the Jews, a law they could not keep. The only boasting then would be that of faith in Jesus Christ, all are made righteous becoming heirs of God’s kingdom.
“28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.” (Romans 3:28)
It is by grace we are saved, by faith we are justified and through works we are sanctified. The law does not save since all have sinned against the law falling short of the glory of God.
“29 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.” (Romans 3:29-30)
Paul now brings all men together as one under God. It is by faith in Jesus Christ, and by God’s grace all men are offered eternal life, it is up to us to choose life or death.
“31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” (Romans 3:31)
By upholding the law believers are made righteous in God’s eyes. Not of works but of grace we are saved, through obedience of the law we aim to please God. The law here refers to the law of Moses, the law of Christ and moral law encompassing all men and all creeds.
Faith in Jesus Christ, salvation is the beginning of a walk down the narrow path that leads to eternal life. What comes next is a series of steps through hills and valleys, a journey by which believers are made righteous as they abide the law, strengthened by the Holy Spirit and armed with the word of God. Let us pray!
Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives and for your servant Paul,
We praise you Lord for his wisdom and for his works through this scripture,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we grow in you through the teachings of your faithful apostle.
Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.
God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your word, your everlasting wisdom and strength.
May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.
We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.
Praise God,
Amen!
This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: DanielStPierre@ThriveThroughChrist.com
