God's Righteousness: A Gift Through Faith in Christ

 

Summary

In Romans 3:21-24, Paul presents a profound revelation: the righteousness of God is now manifested apart from the law, accessible to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This passage marks a pivotal moment in history, where God's plan for salvation, long foreshadowed in the Old Testament, is fully revealed. The righteousness of God is not something we can achieve through our own efforts or adherence to the law. Instead, it is a gift, freely given through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not merely about the forgiveness of sins but involves being clothed in the righteousness of Christ, which is essential for entering heaven.

The historical aspect of this revelation is crucial. Christianity is not just a philosophy or a set of teachings; it is rooted in historical events, particularly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are the foundation of our faith, and they distinguish Christianity from other religions that focus solely on teachings. The Apostle Paul emphasizes that the law has not been abolished but fulfilled in Christ. Our salvation is not based on our ability to keep the law but on Christ's perfect obedience to it on our behalf.

Faith is the means by which we receive this righteousness. It involves knowledge, assent, and trust in the truth of the gospel. True faith looks away from oneself and rests entirely on Christ and His finished work. It is not our faith that saves us, but Christ who saves us through faith. This understanding eliminates any grounds for boasting, as salvation is entirely the work of God.

Paul also addresses the universal need for salvation, stating that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. Sin is not just a failure to meet God's standards; it is a condition that affects all humanity. However, through faith in Christ, we are not only justified but also partake in the glory of God. This glory, though not always visible, is a reality for every believer and will be fully realized in the future when we are completely glorified.

Key Takeaways:

- The righteousness of God is a gift, not earned by adherence to the law, but received through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is essential for salvation, as it clothes us in the righteousness of Christ, enabling us to stand before God. [12:44]

- Christianity is rooted in historical events, particularly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are the foundation of our faith, distinguishing it from other religions that focus solely on teachings. [08:14]

- Faith involves knowledge, assent, and trust in the truth of the gospel. It looks away from oneself and rests entirely on Christ and His finished work. It is not our faith that saves us, but Christ who saves us through faith. [22:22]

- All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, highlighting the universal need for salvation. Sin is a condition that affects all humanity, but through faith in Christ, we are justified and partake in the glory of God. [33:02]

- The glory of God is a reality for every believer, though not always visible. It will be fully realized in the future when we are completely glorified, reflecting the divine nature and glory of God. [46:11]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:13] - Introduction to Romans 3:21-24
- [00:49] - Two Sections of Salvation
- [01:40] - God's Way of Salvation
- [02:51] - Fulfillment of the Old Testament
- [04:17] - Manifestation of Righteousness
- [05:58] - The Historical Aspect of Salvation
- [07:52] - Christianity: Historical Facts
- [09:32] - The Danger of Demythologizing
- [11:17] - The Purpose of Christ's Coming
- [12:03] - Righteousness Beyond Forgiveness
- [14:04] - How Righteousness Becomes Ours
- [15:35] - Misinterpretations of "Without Law"
- [18:12] - The Role of the Law
- [20:53] - Faith in Jesus Christ
- [22:22] - The Nature of True Faith
- [27:22] - Faith as an Instrument, Not a Cause
- [31:24] - Salvation Open to All Who Believe
- [33:02] - Universal Need for Salvation
- [37:52] - Falling Short of the Glory of God
- [41:33] - Sharing in the Glory of God
- [46:11] - The Glory Within Believers
- [49:00] - Closing Prayer

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
- Romans 3:21-24

Observation Questions:
1. What does Paul mean when he says "the righteousness of God without the law is manifested"? How does this relate to the Old Testament? [00:13]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of historical events in Christianity, particularly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ? [08:14]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of the word "now" in Romans 3:21? [05:58]
4. How does the sermon explain the concept of faith as it relates to receiving righteousness? [22:22]

Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the sermon interpret the phrase "all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God"? What implications does this have for understanding human nature? [33:02]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christianity is distinct from other religions? How does this distinction impact the way we understand our faith? [08:14]
3. The sermon emphasizes that faith is not the cause of salvation but the means by which we receive it. How does this understanding affect the way we view our relationship with God? [28:46]
4. What does the sermon suggest about the visibility of God's glory in believers' lives? How should this influence our daily living? [46:11]

Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the idea that righteousness is a gift from God, not something we earn. How does this change the way you approach your spiritual life and relationship with God? [12:44]
2. The sermon highlights the importance of historical events in Christianity. How can you incorporate the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection into your daily faith practice? [08:14]
3. Consider the role of faith in your life. Are there areas where you are still relying on your own efforts rather than trusting fully in Christ's finished work? How can you shift your focus? [22:22]
4. The sermon mentions that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. How does this understanding of sin affect your view of yourself and others? How can it lead to greater compassion and humility? [33:02]
5. The glory of God is described as a reality for believers, though not always visible. How can you cultivate an awareness of God's glory in your life, even when it is not immediately apparent? [46:11]
6. How can you actively remind yourself of the historical foundation of your faith in moments of doubt or when facing challenges? [08:14]
7. The sermon suggests that faith involves looking away from oneself and resting entirely on Christ. What practical steps can you take this week to deepen your trust in Jesus? [22:22]

Devotional

Day 1: Righteousness as a Divine Gift
The righteousness of God is a profound gift, not something that can be earned through adherence to the law or personal effort. This righteousness is essential for salvation, as it clothes believers in the righteousness of Christ, enabling them to stand before God. It is a transformative gift that goes beyond the mere forgiveness of sins, offering believers a new identity in Christ. This righteousness is accessible to all who have faith in Jesus Christ, marking a pivotal moment in history where God's plan for salvation is fully revealed. [12:44]

Isaiah 61:10 (ESV): "I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels."

Reflection: In what ways can you embrace the righteousness of Christ in your daily life, recognizing it as a gift rather than something to be earned?


Day 2: Christianity's Historical Foundation
Christianity is deeply rooted in historical events, particularly the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. These events are the foundation of the Christian faith, distinguishing it from other religions that focus solely on teachings or philosophies. The historical aspect of Christianity emphasizes that it is not just a set of moral guidelines but a faith grounded in real events that have eternal significance. Understanding this historical foundation helps believers appreciate the depth and authenticity of their faith. [08:14]

1 Corinthians 15:3-4 (ESV): "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures."

Reflection: How does the historical reality of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection impact your faith and daily walk with God?


Day 3: Faith as Trust in Christ's Work
Faith is the means by which believers receive the righteousness of God. It involves knowledge, assent, and trust in the truth of the gospel. True faith looks away from oneself and rests entirely on Christ and His finished work. It is not the strength of one's faith that saves, but Christ who saves through faith. This understanding eliminates any grounds for boasting, as salvation is entirely the work of God. Believers are called to trust fully in Christ's perfect obedience and sacrifice on their behalf. [22:22]

Hebrews 12:2 (ESV): "Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God."

Reflection: In what areas of your life do you need to shift your focus from your own efforts to trusting in Christ's finished work?


Day 4: The Universal Need for Salvation
All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, highlighting the universal need for salvation. Sin is not just a failure to meet God's standards; it is a condition that affects all humanity. However, through faith in Christ, believers are justified and partake in the glory of God. This glory, though not always visible, is a reality for every believer and will be fully realized in the future when they are completely glorified. Understanding the universal need for salvation fosters humility and gratitude for God's grace. [33:02]

Romans 5:18-19 (ESV): "Therefore, as one trespass led to condemnation for all men, so one act of righteousness leads to justification and life for all men. For as by the one man's disobedience the many were made sinners, so by the one man's obedience the many will be made righteous."

Reflection: How can recognizing the universal need for salvation influence the way you view and interact with others?


Day 5: The Glory of God in Believers
The glory of God is a reality for every believer, though it may not always be visible. This glory will be fully realized in the future when believers are completely glorified, reflecting the divine nature and glory of God. The promise of sharing in God's glory offers hope and assurance, encouraging believers to live in a way that reflects their future reality. It is a reminder that their identity and destiny are secure in Christ, motivating them to pursue holiness and godliness in their daily lives. [46:11]

2 Corinthians 3:18 (ESV): "And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit."

Reflection: In what ways can you live today in light of the future glory that awaits you as a believer in Christ?

Quotes



The righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe for there is no difference for all have sin being justified freely by his grace through the Redemption that is in Christ Jesus. [00:15:59]

God has now revealed his way of saving men and we emphasize that it is God's way it is something that God has provided a righteousness of God has become available the Apostle says that um this was foreshadowed and foretold under the old dispensation because it had been planned before the very foundation of the world. [00:18:52]

The Christian faith is not a a philosophy it's not a teaching it is primarily a series of historical facts historical events and the teaching derives from and is based upon the historical events now that can never be too much emphasized because this is the point at which our faith differs from every so-called religion. [00:47:23]

Salvation does not merely consist in our receiving forgiveness of sins the thing the Apostle is emphasizing is that we are given this righteousness but now he says the righteousness of God that's the thing that men's been trying to produce is a righteousness that will satisfy God the the Jews thought they were doing it through the law. [00:54:27]

We must never say that it is our faith that saves us now many people want to say that you see they say un the old dispensation it was works of the law that saved it isn't now laws been applic it's believing that saves us now it isn't it isn't our faith that saves us. [00:55:39]

Faith includes these three aspects these three elements it means a knowledge of Truth it means an Ascent to truth and it means a trust in in the truth there are always those three elements in faith in true Faith an awareness of the truth an Ascent to it a committal of oneself to it a trusting of oneself to it. [00:59:59]

The man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself or no longer looking to himself he no longer looks at anything he once was he doesn't look at what he is now he doesn't look at what he hopes to be as the result of his own efforts he looks entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ. [01:02:54]

Faith means a real trusting to him and to what he has done on our behalf and for our Salvation that is what the Apostle says is the way of obtaining this righteousness in other words we can put it in this form that the man who has faith is the man who is no longer looking at himself. [01:04:34]

All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God now now I say he's already said that at Great length that was the thing that he wound up in this tremendous argument in the first part of this first section of this third chapter where he has proved that every mouth is stopped and the whole world is guilty before God. [01:09:42]

Sin not only makes a man unrighteous it robs him of the glory of God and if you understand that you will realize how futile it is ever to think that you by your own works or activities can ever be fit and we must have something of his own glory and however good we may be we'll never develop a Divine Glory. [01:15:00]

The glory is in us if we are Christians it isn't always visible did you notice the verse of the hymn we sang concealed as yet this our Liar by this Dark World unknown a world that knew not when he came in God's Eternal son they don't see it and L we don't see it ourselves at times and we don't see it in one another. [01:17:78]

If we have this faith on the Lord Jesus Christ and his perfect work we are clothed with his righteousness and something of the glory of God is implanted within us a Divine seed we are partakers of the divine nature. [01:21:02]

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Transcript
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