Romans 3:21-31

KING JAMES:

Rom 3:21  But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 

Rom 3:22  Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 

Rom 3:23  For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 

Rom 3:24  Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 

Rom 3:25  Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 

Rom 3:26  To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. 

Rom 3:27  Where is boasting then? It is excluded. By what law? of works? Nay: but by the law of faith. 

Rom 3:28  Therefore we conclude that a man is justified by faith without the deeds of the law. 

Rom 3:29  Is he the God of the Jews only? is he not also of the Gentiles? Yes, of the Gentiles also: 

Rom 3:30  Seeing it is one God, which shall justify the circumcision by faith, and uncircumcision through faith. 

Rom 3:31  Do we then make void the law through faith? God forbid: yea, we establish the law. 

Main Points: If we are not justified through the law….then WHAT? Faith. Faith is a main point, but more broadly, you don’t need to be a Jew to have faith in God. Thus: Justification is extended to anyone who has this faith.

12. How has the righteousness of God been revealed? What does this mean? (21) Apart from the law, but testified to by the law and prophets. Paul explains that the law and prophets are merely witnesses to something better. They were not THE things by which God would parcel out justice.

13. How has the righteousness of God been revealed? How is a person benefited by this? (22) By/through faith in Jesus Christ. Belief in God (trust) becomes the corner stone to being in a right relationship with God. This type of system is not identified by heritage.

14. What is there no distinction concerning? God does not differentiate between races or ancestory.

15. Explain verse 25. What does it mean that Jesus was put forward as a propitiation? Define propitiation. How is this propitiation received? How did this show God’s righteousness? Propitiation-G2435 hilastērion hil-as-tay'-ree-on Neuter of a derivative of G2433; an expiatory (place or thing), that is, (concretely) an atoning victim. For Propitiation to have any significance, one must also understand Redemption and Remission. Redemption denotes “off/loosen” or not being held accountable for a wrong committed. Strong’s adds the sense of a ransom being paid. REMISSION –in this context it means to overlook, or pass over (judgment of sin(s)).  How do we achieve this? Faith in the blood of the propitiation….the atoning victim, Jesus the Christ

16. Explain verse 26. Within this plan, God is just (innocent/holy) because through the plan mankind has a path to God. Also within this plan, God is the catalyst behind that path. HE is the one who makes it work.

17. How is one justified (27-28)?  By faith, without regard to obedience to the law. Note: This is not necessarily a commentary of the VALUE of law. Nor does it try to explain everything good concerning the law. Paul is focusing on how humans can be found righteous before God.

Additional:
Note: Paul is speaking directly against reliance on the law. His words will be specifically directed towards establishing what Christ’s system IS and that which is foundational to that system. He will also be focusing on what this system can accomplish (compared to what the  law cannot accomplish on its own).

21) Witnessed- G3140 martureō mar-too-reh'-o From G3144; to be a witness, that is, testify

24) Grace - 5485 From G5463; graciousness (as gratifying), of manner or act (abstract or concrete; literal, figurative or spiritual; (5463 – full of cheer)

24) redemption – G629 apolutrōsis ap-ol-oo'-tro-sis From a compound of G575 and G3083; (the act) ransom in full, (root words denote “off” – “loosen”)

25) remission – G3929 paresis par'-es-is From G2935; praetermission  - (to overlook or pass over)

31) Establish (the law) – G2476- histēmi his'-tay-mee A prolonged form of a primary word στάω staō (of the same meaning, and used for it in certain tenses); to stand