Through Faith In Jesus Christ
Romans 3:21-22 NKJ
But now the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no difference;
Paul does a great job of laying out the condition of mankind. The righteousness that is in the law is not enough. Keeping the Jewish law just will not cut it. But do not despair, there is hope.
But now. You have to love those two words. All the world is guilty before God, but now. But now the righteousness of God apart from the Law is revealed. Paul is saying that being in right standing with God is now revealed apart from having to keep the Jewish Law of Moses. All of the washings and ordinances. All of the sacrifices and commandments. All of that system is not enough, but it doesn’t have to be. The righteousness of God apart from the Law is now available. The Law and the Old Testament prophets spoke of this day, and this day has finally come.
Even the very righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ. Those are words that bring such hope. All of man’s efforts will not do. And all of man’s failings and shortcomings are overcome by this one phrase. Through faith in Jesus Christ, mankind can be made right with God. Can come close to God. Can be a part of God’s family and citizens of His Kingdom.
This is available to all and on all who believe, for there is no difference. This is what the Jewish people had such a hard time with. No longer would they have the advantage that was unavailable to the Gentiles. No longer would the Gentiles be viewed as second-class. Being right with God was only through one avenue, faith in Jesus Christ and what He did for mankind. This was the revelation that Paul was given. This was the message he would take to the Gentile world. And this is still the message for today.
Application
We should never underestimate the power of this simple truth. We can have right standing with God regardless of our past, our background, our mistakes, our failures. And once we have been made right with God through faith in Jesus, our past never has to lord it over us again. Understanding righteousness will also strengthen our relationship with God. We are no longer trying to earn God’s approval; we have it in Christ. Understanding this righteousness changes our approach to life. We are now His people, His family, and all the riches of Christ are ours. Not because we earned it or deserve it, but through faith in Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Thank You, Lord Jesus, for what You opened for me. I am no longer on the outside looking in; I am part of Your kingdom and Your family. I have been made right with God because of You.