21 But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all [f]and on all who believe. For there is no difference; 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified [g]freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God set forth as a [h]propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His forbearance God had passed over the sins that were previously committed, 26 to demonstrate at the present time His righteousness, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Romans 3:21-26 (NKJV).
My desire in this lesson is to restore hope, peace and joy regardless of all the chaos and noise around us. All the Bible (Scripture alone) points clearly to this truth. Salvation is by Faith Alone in Christ Alone through Grace alone to the Glory of God Alone. All of scriptures culminates around this. In perfect love, He chose to share the magnificence of His Glory in all its fullness and His perfect joyous love with us. It was for that purpose, He created everything that is created.
Yet, for His created creatures to fully experience all the aspects of His Glory including His Grace, His Righteousness, His Justice and the Depth of His love-it was necessary He allow choice. Knowing full well that many would choose to spit in His face and walk away, He thought it worth the pain to save all who would choose Him.
God is Sovereign
His Sovereignty doth reign over everything. But, because of humanities desire to “do things their own way” and their desire to be “god of their own destiny”, He does at times steady His hand of grace. Thus, allowing humanity to see glimpses of a world of their own making, apart from Him. Hoping always for mankind to see the comparison and seek Him—choose Him. He is never the author of evil—for evil is the absence of His Glory and Grace. Just as darkness is the absence of light. Darkness does not exist of its own, rather reflects the absence of light. Evil was not created by God; it is present where He is absent. For without His presence, evil flourishes and grows.
So, lets first break down the scriptures for this week. As we do that, I have used the amplified version to help. Also, this is where you come in. Prepare to join in with discussion, ideas and your comments.
The Righteousness of God
21 But now the righteousness of God has been clearly revealed [independently and completely] apart from the Law, though it is [actually] confirmed by the Law and the [words and writings of the] Prophets.
The Old Testament spoke of the righteousness of God. However, because in the Old Testament we saw God dealing at times with forgiveness of sins and transgression His Righteousness could not be fully revealed. There were the moments when we saw His Righteousness Revealed such as the flood. How He dealt with Sodom and Gomorrah. And when He enacted judgments upon His people. Yet, He also showed mercy on many, forgiving their sins. He did set up the sacrificial system to cover sins; but that was temporary washing and not the full cleansing.
God’s full righteousness was not revealed until He poured forth His wrath against sin upon His Only Son. Absolute Righteousness cannot exist without there being full payment of the debt sin presents.
“For the wages of sin is death.” For God to remain righteous, he could not pardon sin without a payment having been made—that payment is death. Total death includes separation from life (hence separation from God who is life).
He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just, Both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord. Proverbs 17:15 (NKJV).
Therefore
The righteousness of God would have remained in question because He forgave many a transgression. For God to be truly righteous, He could not merely justify us without the price being paid for us. To Justify us is to declare us righteous; but we are not.
22 This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, 23 since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] [c]grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God displayed publicly [before the eyes of the world] as a [life-giving] [d]sacrifice of atonement and reconciliation (propitiation) by His blood [to be received] through faith.
This was to demonstrate His righteousness [which demands punishment for sin], because in His forbearance [His deliberate restraint] He passed over the sins previously committed [before Jesus’ crucifixion]. ROMANS 3: (AMP).
The Righteousness of God Through Faith
Ok, so that is a lot to digest in one piece; but I could not see a separating point. So, open now to your discussion of this. Questions? Thoughts?
26 It was to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the One who justifies those who have faith in Jesus [and rely confidently on Him as Savior]. Romans 3:21-26
What Does This Mean For Us Today?
Justification can only be found in Jesus. Justification is through faith alone, in Christ alone to the Glory of God Alone. There is no other means of Salvation. So, with all of that what does it mean for us during this pandemic?
I would like to turn to Habakkuk.
I wrote a post Friday, concerning Habakkuk which can be found at https://myglorytoglory.com/blog/though-the-fig-tree-not-bloom-i-will-rejoice-why/
The overall being this.
Habakkuk came to God and asked, God why are you sitting silent as your people have turned from you. The evil surrounds us. Sounds a lot like our prayers over the past several years, pleading with God over the evils within our own nation. Asking Him, where are you?
Then, God said, “An evil nation will take captive and enslave the children of Israel”. So, Habakkuk at first was appalled. God did not create the evil nation of Babylon; but He allowed them to destroy Israel for a time. Currently we are facing the evil disease of Covid-19 and we like Habakkuk ask why, God?
Then, God revealed to Him that all this was for one purpose and then Habakkuk knew the truth. “You went forth for the salvation of Your people,
For the salvation and rescue of Your anointed” Habakkuk 3:13.
Seeing Clearly God’s Purpose
When we clearly see God’s purpose as the salvation of His people, then we can have peace regardless of what else is going on around us. Is there any price too great for me to pay for the salvation of one soul? Can I truly question His means? Or can I honestly question His goodness with all that He has done for me and for you?
the Lord is in His holy temple.
Let all the earth hush and be silent before Him.” Habakkuk 2:20.
3 Grace to you and peace from God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, 4 who gave Himself for our sins, that He might deliver us from this present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, 5 to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1 NKJV
And so the most important question of all is:
DO YOU KNOW CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR AND LORD?
If you don’t know Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord: I urge you to go to my page titled How to Be Saved by clicking on this link. There is nothing more important than this; because He is the way, the truth and the life. Therefore, I urge you to seek Him today.
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Disclosures
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2019
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned except for my own books. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
Credits
Scriptures taken from the NKJV
New King James Version (NKJV)
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
Copyright © 2015 by The Lockman Foundation, La Habra, CA 90631. All rights reserved.
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