God's Justification - Christ's Redemption

Romans 3:21–26 (NKJV)

21But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24being justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus,

25whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

Paul had addresses the idea of the righteousness of God being revealed back in chapter 1:17, when he introduced the theme of the book.  However, the rest of chapter one through chapter three dealt with God’s wrath being revealed against all ungodliness and unrighteousness.

But now Paul explains that God’s righteousness is revealed not through the law, but through faith in Jesus Christ.  For everyone who places their faith in Jesus Christ receives God’s righteousness.   For God justifies that is he declares righteous those who put their faith in Christ Jesus for salvation.  Not only does God justify, but he justifies freely.  There is nothing that man can do in and of himself to deserve this justification.  He simply must respond in faith to the gospel realizing that Jesus Christ came to pay the penalty of sin through his death.  Though this justification is free to those who respond in faith, it did have a cost.  This cost was paid through Jesus Christ, therefore He is our redeemer. He paid our redemption!

This redemption is necessary for justification and is only available through faith.  This was the testimony of the Old Testament writers.  There is no advantage of the Jew or gentile and there is no other way of salvation because all are sinners and not capable of salvation in any other way.

Our prayer is that you too will respond to Jesus Christ in faith believing that he is alone the only redemption from sin that you might be justified by God and have eternal fellowship with Him.