“There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” (Romans 3:22b–24)
Read Romans 3:21–31.
Paul leaves us in no doubt about humanity’s sinfulness, and we cannot achieve righteousness through the law. In today’s passage, Paul leaves us in no doubt that it is through faith in Christ Jesus that we are justified.
The word “faith” is used eight times in just 10 texts. Righteousness is used four times in the same passage.
Sin is universal — “there is no difference between Jew and Gentile” — so it needs a universal solution for us to be in relationship with God; “… all are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.”
Paul packs a lot into this text. “All are justified”, that is, declared righteous. “Freely by His grace”; it is freely given, not earned, but a true gift of grace. “Through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.” “Redeemed” means bought back, so something must be paid. Christ paid the price.
Paul goes on:
“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 — 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” (verses 25 and 26).
This shows God’s justice. Because of God’s patience and forbearance, He left previous sins committed unpunished. He could have continued that way and ignored sin, but God deals with sin so that we can be in relationship with Him through faith.
Having a relationship with God is something we can boast about, but Paul says that is excluded because we have not earned salvation; however, justification is by faith, not by works of the law, by our own efforts.
And finally, in this passage, Paul asks if we nullify the law by this faith. He answers: “Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.” Faith doesn’t abolish the law, but the law is fulfilled in Christ’s death on the cross.
Paul’s letter to the Romans is the “heart of Christianity”; a catechism of discipleship. It is rewarding to take the time to study these chapters in Romans; it positions you to understand the other epistles with worldly clarity.
Prayer
Father, I am a sinful human being declared justified through faith in Your Son, Jesus. Help me when I stray from Your path; strengthen my faith and grant me Your grace and mercy, so that I may live my justified life in You.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
