Romans 3:19-28
Now we know whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in His sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin. But now a righteousness from God, apart from the law, to which the law and prophets testify. This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 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.
God presented Him (Jesus) 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—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. Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.
Devotion
Notice how Paul wraps up his opening argument concerning the human condition: “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (verse 23). The yardstick by which we are measured is God’s standard: sinless, perfect, holy! So, sin is falling short of God’s standard. The Law was given to show us our sin. The purpose of the Law was not to save us but to reveal our sinfulness. The Jewish people thought the Law was meant to save. They misunderstood the purpose of the Law. Therefore, they meticulously tried to follow or keep the Law even though the Law was showing them they could not keep it. In Paul’s Gospel, the good news is that a righteousness from God is available to those who trust in the person and work of Christ (Romans 1:16-17). In the next few chapters, Paul will begin to explain the doctrine of justification and unpack biblical Christianity in all its fullness.
Now Paul begins to explain what God did to rectify this hopeless situation. God provided a sacrifice of atonement! God offered up His Son, so that by His death He should become the means by which people’s sins are forgiven through their faith in Him. The death of Christ, then, is the means by which God does away with people’s sin—not symbolically, as in the Old Testament rituals of sacrifice. The phrase, “through faith in His blood,” refers to the sacrificial death of Christ as the means by which the one effective atonement for sin has been made. Since, therefore, we are now justified by His blood, much more shall we be saved by Him from the wrath of God (Romans 1:18). Paul, therefore, concludes, “For we maintain a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law.”
Questions to Ponder:
Why is following the Law or earning one’s salvation so popular in our culture today? In what ways do we allow the culture to influence our thinking when it comes to God or doctrinal issues? Have you trusted in the person and work of Christ for your soul’s salvation? How does it make you feel to know that you don’t have to earn your salvation? How does it make you feel to know that you don’t have to earn God’s love? How has God’s mercy and grace touched your life? If the Law was not meant to be a means of salvation, what was its purpose?
Prayer Points
- Praise the Lord Almighty for being the One and Only perfect Lamb of God.
- Worship Him for bowing so low, coming as a man, and taking on the sins of the world.
- Thank Him for His full obedience in laying down His life. He Who knew no sin took on the sins of the world so that those who believe in Him would be reconciled back to God in perfect union and fellowship with Him, a Holy God. Thank Him for eternal life that starts the moment we accept Jesus Christ by faith. Thank Him for this glorious free gift! It’s about being in and with Him now and in the next age. Pray we are compelled to make Him known.
- Ask the Lord to remind His people, His church that it’s not about religion. It’s all about a relationship. Rest for a few minutes in the reality that Your Papa in heaven is God of all creation, and He calls YOU friend, beloved, lovely, forgiven, redeemed, rescued, companion, co-heir with Christ Jesus, His Temple, etc.
- Pray for believers across the United States. That His Word would run swiftly in and through us all. Pray we will love God with all our heart, mind, soul, and strength and love our neighbor as ourselves.
- Pray for His love to abound in and through us and for us to be guilty of loving extravagantly.
Suggested Prayer
Oh, King of Glory, Hope of Glory, my heart cannot always take in the truth of Your Word as I read it, hear it, sing it, live it out. It just sounds too good to be true. Thank You, Lord, for the way You love perfectly, shepherd wisely, lead, guide, and direct us. Thank You that You were faithful to death because You must have known we, Your church, would be Your inheritance and You ours. Oh, Father, help me and your church at Oak Pointe to ponder, remember, and mediate on the truth of Your Word today. Help all our lives to radiate Your unfailing love. When we stumble, fall short, and go astray, bombard us with Your kindness that leads us into repentance. Thy will be done, oh Lord. I ask these things in the Name of Jesus Christ. Amen.