But Now, Righteousness Is Available Apart from the Law… (Romans 3:21-31)

"But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe." Romans 3:21-22 (NIV)

Context

Both “righteousness” (Romans 3:21-22) and “justification” (Romans 3:24) share the same root in the original Greek, which is not obvious in many Bible translations. Both terms are related to the Hebrew concept of *zedek, an idea connected to the law court. Specifically, *zedek refers to the status of a person when the court has judged in their favour. It is the judge’s declaration that a person is righteous, or “in the right,” with respect to the law’s standard. Such a person is “justified.”

Observation

Notice the contrast that begins today’s passage: “But now apart from the law [of Moses]…” (Romans 3:21).

Then, in the following verses, pay close attention to what is said about righteousness and being justified. Particularly, notice what Paul says about the work of Christ and how it relates to justification.

Consider reading today’s passage out loud and substituting “declared righteous” every time your translation has “justified.”

Interpretation

Paul’s argument in Romans 1:18-3:20 was that all of humanity is under God’s wrath for unrighteousness, whether or not they knew God’s law. In light of this, what is the significance of the contrast beginning this section: “But now…”? How might the readers feel before and after reading this contrast?

In view of the legal background of “righteousness” and “justification,” why is it surprising that such a declaration has been made available to humanity?

Paul is emphatic: the sole basis for a declaration of righteousness is a person’s faith in Jesus and the redemption found through His blood. Why is this important for this church to remember? How will it empower them to address the unity issues between Jewish and Gentile believers?

Application

The doctrine of justification means that God (the Judge) can declare us righteous in His courtroom—not because of anything we’ve done but because of our faith in Jesus and the power of His blood.

Picture yourself in that courtroom. The Accuser presents the worst things you’ve done as evidence that you should remain under God’s wrath. What are they?

Now, imagine yourself countering the Accuser’s argument by presenting to the Judge the best things you’ve done. What are they?

Finally, set all this aside—your very best deeds and your very worst. Look only to Jesus and His blood and know for a fact that the Judge’s declaration over you is: “RIGHTEOUS”!