God's Righteousness Revealed: Grace Through Faith in Christ

In our journey through the book of Romans, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment in Romans 3:21-31, where the Apostle Paul transitions from the grim diagnosis of humanity's sinful condition to the glorious revelation of God's righteousness through Jesus Christ. This passage is akin to standing at the base of a majestic mountain, looking up at the summit of God's grace and mercy. It is here that we see the profound work of Jesus on our behalf, a message that we need to hear repeatedly until it becomes fresh and exciting in our hearts once more.

Paul has meticulously laid out the human condition, likening it to a doctor's diagnosis of a terminal illness—sin. We are all sinners, and our condition is fatal. Yet, in this bleak reality, Paul introduces a transformative phrase: "But now." These words signify a divine intervention, a new work of God in Jesus Christ that offers us righteousness apart from the law. This righteousness is not something we can earn or deserve; it is a gift from God, given freely through faith in Jesus Christ.

The law, with its rules and principles, cannot save us. It merely highlights our inability to meet God's perfect standard. Instead, God offers us a righteousness that is apart from the law, a righteousness that comes through faith in Jesus Christ. This faith is not a work that earns God's favor; it is a trust in what Jesus has done for us on the cross. It is a recognition that Jesus stood in our place, bore our sins, and rose from the dead, offering us new life.

This passage also emphasizes the universality of sin and the universality of God's offer of salvation. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, but all can be justified freely by His grace. There is no difference between the most morally upright person and the worst sinner; all must come to God through faith in Jesus Christ. This singular way of salvation is a testament to God's love and grace, a gift that excludes any room for boasting or pride.

As we reflect on this passage, let us embrace the righteousness offered to us through Jesus Christ, living in the freedom and grace that He provides. Let us reject any notion of earning God's favor and instead rest in the completed work of Christ on our behalf.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The human condition is dire, akin to a terminal illness of sin, but God's intervention through Jesus Christ offers a new hope. This righteousness is apart from the law and is a gift of grace, not something we can earn or deserve. [06:09]
• 2. Faith in Jesus is not a work that earns God's favor; it is a trust in His completed work on the cross. This faith connects us to God's righteousness, which is given freely and not as a supplement to our efforts. [12:40]
• 3. The universality of sin means that all have fallen short of God's glory, but the universality of God's grace means that all can be justified freely by His grace through faith in Jesus Christ. [20:17]
• 4. God's grace is not cheap or discounted; it is given freely, without any cause in us, and is motivated purely by His love and mercy. This grace excludes any room for boasting or pride. [26:09]
• 5. The cross of Jesus Christ is the place where God's justice and mercy meet. It is where every sin is paid for, allowing God to be both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus. [31:25]
  ** [31:25]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:16] - Introduction to Romans Series
• [00:32] - The Majesty of Romans 3:21
• [01:07] - The Great Work of Jesus
• [02:32] - The Human Condition
• [03:14] - Diagnosis of Sin
• [05:41] - The Glorious "But Now"
• [06:27] - Righteousness Apart from the Law
• [09:33] - The Principle of Law
• [12:20] - Faith in Jesus Christ
• [15:03] - No Difference in Salvation
• [20:17] - Universal Sin and Grace
• [23:12] - Justified Freely by Grace
• [27:12] - Propitiation by His Blood
• [31:25] - Just and the Justifier
• [35:28] - Justified by Faith
• [37:38] - Establishing the Law Through Faith
• [38:42] - Living in Grace and Faith

1. What does the phrase "But now" signify in Romans 3:21, and why is it considered a pivotal moment in the passage? [05:41]
2. How does Paul describe the human condition before introducing the concept of righteousness through faith? [03:14]
3. According to the sermon, what is the role of the law in relation to sin and righteousness? [04:41]
4. What does Paul mean when he says that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God? [21:40]

1. How does the concept of righteousness apart from the law challenge traditional views of earning God's favor through good deeds? [06:43]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that faith in Jesus is different from a work that earns God's favor? [13:27]
3. How does the universality of sin and grace impact the way we view ourselves and others in the context of salvation? [20:17]
4. What does it mean for God to be both just and the justifier, and how is this demonstrated at the cross? [31:25]

1. Reflect on the idea that righteousness is a gift from God, not something we can earn. How does this change your approach to your faith and daily life? [06:09]
2. Consider the statement that faith in Jesus is not a work but a trust in His completed work on the cross. How can you deepen your trust in Jesus this week? [12:40]
3. The sermon emphasizes that all have sinned and fall short of God's glory. How does this understanding affect your interactions with others, especially those you might consider "worse sinners"? [20:17]
4. How can you embrace the freedom and grace offered through Jesus Christ in your everyday life, rejecting any notion of earning God's favor? [38:42]
5. The sermon mentions that God's grace excludes any room for boasting or pride. In what areas of your life do you struggle with pride, and how can you address this? [26:09]
6. Reflect on the idea that the cross is where God's justice and mercy meet. How does this understanding influence your view of God's character and your relationship with Him? [31:25]
7. How can you live in a way that reflects the righteousness given to you through faith in Jesus, and what specific steps can you take to demonstrate this in your community? [38:42]