9. Romans 3:21-31 - Righteousness Through Faith and the Law’s Role

In Romans 3:21-31, Paul explains how God's righteousness is revealed and how it relates to the law. He emphasizes that righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ and is available to all people, regardless of their background or works. This is a foundational passage for understanding the gospel and the role of the law in salvation. 

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. 27 Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. 28 For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, 30 since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. 31 Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.

This passage is central to understanding the gospel. It teaches that salvation is by grace through faith and not by works of the law. Righteousness is a gift from God, not something I can earn.
It’s a reminder that no matter how much I try to live righteously, I fall short of God’s perfect standard. This truth humbles me and shows me how much I need God's grace daily. I have to put my full trust in Jesus, not in my own ability to live up to religious standards. It’s easy to slip into a mindset of trying to "earn" God’s favor through good works, but Paul reminds me that righteousness is a gift through faith alone. My faith in Jesus must be the foundation of my relationship with God, not my performance.

Since salvation is entirely God’s work, I have no room to boast in myself (v. 27). Instead, I should boast in Christ and His finished work on the cross. This should lead me to greater humility in my walk with God and my interactions with others. My life should be marked by gratitude for God’s grace, not self-righteousness.

Father,
Thank You for the incredible gift of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ. I confess that I often try to earn Your approval by my own efforts, forgetting that I can never achieve perfection on my own. But You have provided a way through Jesus, and I am so grateful that my standing before You is not based on my performance but on His finished work.

I acknowledge that I have sinned and fallen short of Your glory. I thank You that I am justified freely by Your grace, through the redemption that came by Christ. Help me to live in the freedom of this truth, trusting in Jesus completely for my righteousness and not relying on myself.

Forgive me for any pride or self-righteousness that I’ve held onto. Remind me daily that all boasting belongs to You, and that my only source of righteousness is Your grace. May I walk in humility, knowing that I am completely dependent on Your mercy.

Lord, Teach me to live in obedience out of love for You, empowered by the Holy Spirit. Let my life reflect the righteousness You have given me through faith.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.