The Apostle Paul, in Romans 3:21-31, unveils the heart of the gospel: humanity’s justification and right standing before God through faith in Jesus Christ.
He declares that neither the Law nor human effort can achieve righteousness. Instead, God graciously provides His righteousness to all who believe in Christ, whether Jew or Gentile. This powerful passage is a call to reflect on the depth of God’s love, His justice, and His gracious plan of salvation.
Paul shows us the divine solution to humanity’s sin problem: the atoning work of Jesus Christ. In Him, God’s justice and mercy meet perfectly. Through Him, we are no longer condemned but justified and made righteous. Let’s explore this profound truth and draw practical lessons from it.
Three Practical Lessons
• Righteousness is a gift, not an achievement. Paul emphasises that righteousness comes from God and is not something we can earn through obedience to the Law or good deeds. It is a gift of grace received through faith in Jesus Christ (Romans 3:22). This levels the playing field for all people, as “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). Whether Jew or Gentile, every person needs this grace. Hence, we should stop striving to earn God’s approval through performance. Instead, place your faith fully in Christ, resting in the assurance that His righteousness is sufficient.
• The Cross demonstrates God’s justice and love. In Jesus’ atoning sacrifice, we see the perfect balance of God’s justice and love. God poured out His righteous wrath against sin, yet He also extended mercy by taking that punishment upon Himself through His Son (Romans 3:25-26). In this way, God upholds His holy character while freely forgiving sinners. Therefore, when guilt or doubt arises, remember the cross. It reminds us that our sins have been fully paid for, and God’s love has been poured out for us. Live in gratitude for this ultimate act of love.
• Faith upholds the Law; it doesn’t nullify it. Paul explains that faith in Christ does not abolish the Law; rather, it upholds it (Romans 3:31). The Law reveals God’s righteous standards and our need for a Saviour. Once we are justified by faith, the Law becomes a guide, pointing us toward a holy life as we grow in obedience through faith. Thus, as believers, we honour God’s righteous standards not out of obligation, but out of love and gratitude. Let the Law inspire you to live a life that reflects God’s holiness, empowered by faith.
Call to Action
• Reflect and respond to God’s love. Take a moment to thank God for the incredible gift of His righteousness through Jesus Christ. Reflect on the cross and the depth of His love for you. If you haven’t already placed your faith in Christ, do so today. Recognise that salvation is not about what you can do but about what Jesus has already done for you.
• Live gratefully and purposefully. Let the truth of justification inspire you to live a life of gratitude. Use your freedom in Christ to love others, serve God, and pursue holiness.
• Share the message of Grace. This righteousness is available to all! Share this good news with those who are far from God, reminding them that salvation is not based on their effort but on faith in Christ alone.
Daily Meditations
Monday – Romans 5:1
“Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Tuesday – Ephesians 2:8-9
“For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; not as a result of works, so that no one may boast.”
Wednesday – Galatians 2:16
“Nevertheless, knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the Law but through faith in Christ Jesus, even we have believed in Christ Jesus, so that we may be justified by faith in Christ and not by the works of the Law; since by the works of the Law no flesh will be justified.”
Thursday – Philippians 3:9
“And may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith.”
Friday – 2 Corinthians 5:21
“He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.”
Saturday – Titus 3:5–7
“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy… so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”
Sunday – Hebrews 10:10
“By this will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.”
All scriptures are quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB1995) unless otherwise stated.
By Pastor Clarence Goh
