Righteous by Faith, Not the Law.

 By: Dr. Dale Weckbacher

 

Text: Romans 3:21-31

 

Romans 3:21-23

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

(ESV)

 

Law and order are what separate civil societies from non-civil ones. The focus on law and order and the rule of law governing it (i.e. Constitutions, city charters, statutes, etc.) has served the United States and other civil societies well, but law and order in our society are now under attack. In many parts of the United States, it is now legal to steal less than one thousand dollars of merchandise from a store. In places like New York City, one can be arrested for a crime and released without bail with a promise to show up in court. Many of these individuals do not show up in court and commit additional crimes. However, there is a rule of law humanity cannot completely obey and why humanity needs a Savior. This rule of law is the law of God.

 

While the inability of humanity In Romans 3:21-31, to obey the law of God as contained in the Old Testament makes righteousness an impossible goal for anyone to attain on their own, Jesus separated the righteousness of God from the law by dying for our sins (Romans 3:21-22; 5:8). Since all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and are under a death penalty for sin (Romans 6:23), all humanity needs the gracious gift of redemption only found through the shed blood of Jesus Christ (Romans 3:24). So powerful is the propitiatory or substitutionary nature of Jesus who knew no sin taking on the death penalty, that it even covered the sins of Old Testament individuals professing a forward-looking faith in their coming Messiah (Romans 3:25-26).

 

In Romans 3:27-31, the narrative shifts to asking about our boasting as human beings. Paul concludes that this boasting is excluded but not by the law of works, but the law of faith (Romans 3:27). Ephesians 2:8-9 describes this faith as belief in the saving grace of God offered to humanity that is separated from the works of humanity. So broad is this grace from God that all can receive its benefits (Romans 3:29-30). However, this does not negate the need for the Law of God for without the Law, humanity would not know they have sinned (Romans 3:31).

 

The extremes of Christianity are liberalism or the belief that Jesus’ death on the cross was a blanket pardon for sin. This extreme believes all receive salvation through Jesus’ death and resurrection regardless of whether they accept Jesus as their Savior or not. However, Romans 10:9-10 states that one must make a verbal profession of faith in the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. The other extreme is moralism or a belief that one must have a strict adherence to the law for salvation based on faith without works being dead faith (James 1:26). However, the context of this verse is one performing good works of charity such as clothing or feeding the poor (James 1:14-17). James 1:26 is not saying that works bring salvation, but that one’s profession faith in Jesus as his or her Savior brings life to faith when they perform good works of charity. This is what the Apostle Paul means a manifestation of righteousness now exists apart from the law. This does not negate the role of the law for apart from the law, how can one know they have sinned and missed the mark with God. The balance between these two extremes is the Gospel or the provision of salvation by grace through faith in Jesus Christ (Ephesians 2:8-9) with that faith coming alive through good works (James 1:26).

 

If you are reading this and either believe you are automatically saved because of what Jesus did or that you must have a life strictly following the Ten Commandments for salvation I want to invite you to follow the Gospel and make a profession of faith in Jesus as your Savior by praying with me,

 

Dear Lord Jesus, I know I have sinned (Romans 3:23) and know that the penalty for my sin is death (Romans 6:23).  I ask you to forgive me of my sin and cleanse me as you promise in your Word (1 John 1:9).  I believe you died, spent three days in the grave, and resurrected from the dead and now declare you Lord of my life.

 

I encourage and challenge those reading this to bring life to their faith by growing in faith through attending a local church where they can be with other believers in Christ and learn from God’s Word, Then I encourage those reading this to give of their time and money in service to God, showing others the love of Christ for this is how the world knows we are disciples of Christ (John 13:34-35). May God bless and challenge everyone reading this post.