A108.1.9-Romans 3:21-31 Righteousness Through Faith

Overview

In Romans 3:21-31, the Apostle Paul shifts from addressing human sinfulness and the universal need for salvation to presenting the righteousness of God revealed through faith in Jesus Christ. Paul begins by stating that, although the law and the prophets pointed to the coming of God’s righteousness, it is now manifest apart from the law, accessible to all who believe. This righteousness is made available through Jesus Christ, and all people, regardless of their background, are justified freely by God’s grace, achieved through the redemption in Christ. Paul emphasizes that no one is justified by observing the law, for all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, and salvation is a gift of grace through faith, not a result of human effort or works.

Paul then explains the concept of justification, showing that it is God’s grace alone that justifies sinners, and this justification is available through faith in Jesus Christ. He highlights that God, in His justice, has put forward Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, made effective by faith, to demonstrate His righteousness. The sacrifice satisfies God’s demand for justice, while simultaneously extending mercy to humanity. The passage stresses that this salvation is not limited to any particular group, such as Jews, but is available to both Jews and Gentiles alike. By declaring that people are justified by faith apart from the works of the law, Paul argues that boasting in human achievement is excluded. In conclusion, Paul reaffirms that both Jews and Gentiles are justified through faith and not by works of the law, and he calls for a faith that upholds the law rather than nullifies it, emphasizing that faith is the means by which God’s righteousness is received and made evident in the lives of believers.

In-Depth

In Romans 3:21-31, the Apostle Paul elaborates on the theme of justification by faith and the righteousness of God that is revealed apart from the law. This passage is a pivotal moment in Paul’s letter, as he transitions from exposing the universality of sin to highlighting the extraordinary provision of salvation through Jesus Christ. Let’s explore the depth of each part of the passage.

Romans 3:21-23 – The Righteousness of God Revealed: Paul begins by stating, “But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed…” (Romans 3:21). Here, Paul makes a profound declaration. The righteousness of God, which had been anticipated throughout the Old Testament by the Law and the Prophets, is now revealed in a new way. The law, while holy and good, could not justify human beings because no one could perfectly fulfill it. Instead, the righteousness of God is now manifested through faith in Jesus Christ, independent of the law. This righteousness is universal, available to all who believe (Romans 3:22). Paul stresses that this righteousness is for all people, whether they are Jew or Gentile, because “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). This statement highlights the universality of human sinfulness, making clear that no one can claim righteousness based on their own merit.

Romans 3:24-26 – Justification by Grace Through Redemption: In these verses, Paul presents the core of Christian doctrine: justification by grace. He writes that believers are “justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24). This justification is a gift, not earned by human effort or works, but freely given by God’s grace. The term “redemption” here refers to the act of Christ’s sacrificial death, which paid the price for human sin and rescued humanity from its bondage to sin and death.

Paul then introduces the concept of Christ’s atoning sacrifice—a doctrine of immense significance in Christian theology. He states that God presented Jesus “as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood” (Romans 3:25). This phrase, “sacrifice of atonement,” refers to the Jewish practice of atonement, where the blood of sacrifices covered the sins of the people temporarily. However, Christ’s sacrifice is presented as the ultimate atonement, which not only covers but also completely removes sin for those who have faith in Him. This act was not arbitrary; it was a demonstration of God’s righteousness—showing that God is both just and the justifier of those who have faith in Jesus (Romans 3:26). Through Christ’s death, God satisfies His own righteous demands (justice) while also extending mercy to humanity (grace). This makes God’s righteousness visible, as He remains just while justifying the ungodly.

Romans 3:27-28 – Boasting Excluded: Paul continues by addressing the question of human boasting. If justification is by faith and not by works, then no one can boast in their own achievements or obedience to the law. Paul explicitly says, “Where then is boasting? It is excluded” (Romans 3:27). The righteousness that comes through faith does not allow for pride because it is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God. Therefore, justification is not a matter of following the law or performing works but of trusting in God’s grace. Paul then clarifies that “a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law” (Romans 3:28). This powerful statement emphasizes that no human action or adherence to the law can bring about justification. Justification comes only through faith in Jesus Christ and His redemptive work on the cross.

Romans 3:29-30 – Justification for Jews and Gentiles Alike: Paul stresses that the righteousness of God through faith is not limited to the Jewish people. God, who is the God of all, justifies both Jews and Gentiles in the same way—through faith, not through adherence to the law. This point was crucial for Paul’s audience, particularly in the context of tensions between Jewish and Gentile Christians in the early church. The idea that Gentiles, who were not bound to the Mosaic Law, could be justified by faith just as Jews were was revolutionary and countered misconceptions that salvation was exclusively for the Jewish people. Paul emphasizes the universality of the gospel: “since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith” (Romans 3:30). The one God who created all, and who is just and merciful, justifies both groups by the same means—faith in Christ.

Romans 3:31 – The Law Upheld, Not Nullified: Finally, Paul addresses a potential misunderstanding that could arise from his argument about justification by faith: that faith might nullify or disregard the law. He answers this by saying, “Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law” (Romans 3:31). Faith does not negate the law but upholds it because the law points to the need for righteousness, which is ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Faith in Jesus Christ fulfills the ultimate purpose of the law, which was to point to the righteousness of God and the need for a Savior. Through Christ, believers fulfill the law’s true intent—not through external observance, but through faith, which leads to a transformed life that reflects the righteousness God desires.

In summary, Romans 3:21-31 presents the heart of the gospel: the righteousness of God, which is revealed apart from the law, is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is granted by God’s grace through the redemption in Christ, and it justifies both Jews and Gentiles. Human boasting is excluded, as salvation is a gift, not a work. Finally, faith does not nullify the law but upholds its true purpose, which is fulfilled in Christ. This passage encapsulates the core Christian belief that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and it sets the foundation for Paul’s subsequent discussions on sanctification and the Christian life.

Discovery Questions

Romans 3:21-31 is one of the most profound and foundational passages in the New Testament, capturing the heart of the gospel message. In these verses, the Apostle Paul outlines the doctrine of justification by faith, presenting the righteousness of God that is revealed through Jesus Christ. This passage helps believers understand the nature of salvation, the role of the law, and the universal need for grace. As we explore these verses, it’s important to engage with the text not only for understanding its meaning but also for applying its truths to our lives. The following discovery questions are designed to guide us through observation, interpretation, and reflection on this powerful section of Scripture.

Observation Questions:

1. What specific term does Paul use to describe the righteousness of God in Romans 3:21? How does this contrast with the righteousness of the law?
2. According to Romans 3:22, who can access the righteousness of God, and what is the basis for receiving it?
3. What does Paul say about the relationship between faith in Christ and the law in Romans 3:28-31? How does he argue that faith does not nullify the law?
4. In Romans 3:24-25, what role does the death of Jesus Christ play in the process of justification?
5. What is the significance of the phrase “redemption that came by Christ Jesus” (Romans 3:24)? How is redemption connected to justification?
6. How does Paul describe the act of boasting in salvation in verses 27-28? What does he say about why boasting is excluded?
7. In Romans 3:30, Paul writes that both Jews and Gentiles are justified through faith. What does this reveal about the universality of salvation?

Interpretation Questions:

1. What does Paul mean by “the righteousness of God” in this context? Is it an attribute of God, or does it refer to something else?
2. Why is it important that Paul emphasizes justification by faith and not by works of the law? How does this relate to the overall argument Paul has been making in the letter up until this point?
3. In verse 25, Paul speaks of Christ as a “sacrifice of atonement.” What does the term “atonement” mean, and why is it necessary for salvation?
4. Why does Paul argue that justification is a free gift of grace? How does this shape our understanding of salvation and human effort?
5. How does the concept of God being both just and the justifier (Romans 3:26) reveal the balance between God’s justice and mercy in salvation?
6. What is the relationship between faith and works in the context of Romans 3:27-31? How does faith uphold the law, as Paul states, without making it unnecessary?

Reflection/Application Questions:

1. How does understanding that salvation is a free gift through faith in Christ challenge your view of earning God’s favor through good works or personal effort?
2. In what ways might you be tempted to boast in your own righteousness, and how does this passage challenge that tendency?
3. How can the idea that both Jews and Gentiles are justified by the same faith in Christ impact your view of other people, especially those who are different from you?
4. If salvation is by grace through faith, how does that shape the way you approach your relationship with God on a daily basis? How might it affect your worship and gratitude?
5. Reflect on the role of the law in your life as a believer. How does Paul’s teaching in Romans 3 help you understand how the law is fulfilled in Christ, and what is its ongoing role in your Christian walk?
6. How does knowing that God is both just and the justifier affect the way you understand the balance of justice and mercy in your life and in your relationship with others?
7. How does the universal offer of salvation through faith in Christ (Romans 3:22-30) challenge you to share the gospel with people from all backgrounds, regardless of their past or present?

Cross-References

Cross-references to Romans 3:21-31:

• Romans 1:17 – “For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.'” – This verse introduces the theme of the righteousness of God revealed through faith, a central theme that Paul expands upon in Romans 3:21-31. Romans 1:17 sets the foundation for understanding how God’s righteousness is available to humanity through faith.
• Romans 2:12-16 – “All who sin apart from the law will also perish apart from the law, and all who sin under the law will be judged by the law.” – These verses in Romans 2 lay the groundwork for Paul’s argument that no one is justified by the works of the law. Romans 3:20 emphasizes that the law cannot justify anyone, and these earlier verses in Romans 2 set up the distinction between those under the law (Jews) and those outside the law (Gentiles), both of whom are shown to be in need of God’s righteousness through faith.
• Galatians 2:16 – “Know that a person is not justified by the works of the law, but by faith in Jesus Christ. So we, too, have put our faith in Christ Jesus that we may be justified by faith and not by the works of the law, because by the works of the law no one will be justified.” – This passage in Galatians reiterates Paul’s argument in Romans 3 that justification comes through faith in Christ and not through works of the law. Both passages stress the futility of relying on the law for justification.
• Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—not by works, so that no one can boast.” – In Ephesians, Paul emphasizes the same concept of salvation by grace through faith, a key theme in Romans 3:24-28. This reinforces the idea that salvation is a gift, not something earned through human effort or works.
• Philippians 3:9 – “And be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but that which is through faith in Christ—the righteousness that comes from God on the basis of faith.” – This verse highlights the righteousness that comes from God through faith in Christ, a concept that Paul explores in Romans 3:21-22. It shows how righteousness is not from human achievement but is a gift of God received by faith.
• Isaiah 53:5-6 – “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” – Isaiah 53 prophesies the suffering servant, who bears the sins of many, a passage that is fulfilled in Christ’s atoning work. Romans 3:25-26 points to the sacrifice of Christ as the means of God’s justice being satisfied while providing mercy for sinners.
• Psalm 143:2 – “Do not bring your servant into judgment, for no one living is righteous before you.” – This Psalm acknowledges the universal problem of human unrighteousness, which Paul addresses in Romans 3:23. In Romans 3, Paul argues that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, and that no one can be justified by their own works.
• Habakkuk 2:4 – “See, the enemy is puffed up; his desires are not upright—but the righteous person will live by his faithfulness.” – This Old Testament reference to faith as the means of righteousness is quoted by Paul in Romans 1:17 and echoes throughout Romans 3. It highlights the righteousness that comes by faith, a principle that Paul uses to explain how justification works in Christ.

Cross-references from Romans 3:21-31:

• Romans 4:3 – “What does Scripture say? ‘Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.'” – Romans 4 continues the discussion on justification by faith, using Abraham as an example. Paul argues that righteousness was credited to Abraham by faith, not by works, underscoring the theme from Romans 3 that justification is by faith, not by adherence to the law.
• Romans 5:1 – “Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – This verse builds on the teachings of Romans 3 by stating that believers are justified through faith, which leads to peace with God—a benefit of the justification Paul introduces in Romans 3:21-31.
• Romans 10:4 – “Christ is the culmination of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.” – Romans 10:4 draws on the theme in Romans 3:21-22 that Christ fulfills the law and that righteousness comes through faith, not the law. Christ is the end of the law for those who believe.
• Titus 3:5 – “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.” – This verse aligns with Paul’s teaching in Romans 3:24-25 that salvation is a result of God’s mercy, not by our own righteous deeds, reinforcing the idea that justification is an act of grace, not works.
• Hebrews 9:15 – “For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.” – This verse points to the redemptive work of Christ, which is central to Romans 3:24-25. Christ’s death is the ultimate sacrifice, paying the penalty for sins and offering redemption to all who believe.

In Summary

Romans 3:21-31 presents the core of the gospel message: the righteousness of God, which is revealed through faith in Jesus Christ and not through the works of the law. Paul begins by declaring that this righteousness is now available to all people, both Jews and Gentiles, apart from the law, and is accessible through faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness is not earned by human effort but is a gift from God, given through Christ’s sacrificial death as an atonement for sin.

Paul explains that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory, and thus, no one can be justified by the law. Justification, or being declared righteous before God, is a free gift, granted by God’s grace through faith in Jesus Christ. The death of Christ satisfies God’s justice while extending mercy to humanity. Paul further emphasizes that boasting is excluded because salvation is not based on human effort but on God’s grace.

Finally, Paul addresses the relationship between faith and the law, affirming that faith does not nullify the law but upholds it, because the law points to the righteousness that is fulfilled in Christ. Both Jews and Gentiles are justified through faith, and this righteousness is universally available to all who believe. The passage highlights the profound truth that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone, and that this righteousness is available to everyone, regardless of background.