Lecture Notes: Book of Romans - Chapter 3 Verses 21-25

Key Bible Passage

• Romans 3:21-25: Explores the concept of righteousness through faith in Jesus Christ.
  • Righteousness of God is manifested apart from the Law.
  • All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
  • Justification is a gift by His grace through the redemption in Christ Jesus.

Introduction: Job's Fundamental Question

• Job's Question: How can a man be right with God? (Referenced from Job 9:2)
  • Job acknowledges the difficulty of disputing with God due to His greatness.
  • Describes God's immense power and man's inability to stand justified by his own perception.

The Dilemma of Righteousness

• Human Effort and Religion: All religions attempt to answer how humanity can be right with God.
  • Common belief across religions: Righteousness is achieved through good deeds and rituals.
  • Bible's stance: Righteousness cannot be achieved through human effort.
• Paul's Message: Human efforts and Law cannot justify anyone before God.
  • Romans 3:20: By the works of the Law, no flesh will be justified.

Function and Purpose of the Law

• Purpose of the Law: To bring awareness of sin, not to save.
  • Demonstrates our sinfulness and inability to achieve divine perfection.
  • Calls for holiness beyond human reach.

Transition to Hope: Righteousness from God

• Romans 3:21: "But now...": Marks a transition to hope.
  • A righteousness from God is now available, apart from the Law.
  • This righteousness is from God and given to us through grace.
  • Manifested in the New Testament era, specifically through Jesus Christ.

Characteristics of God's Righteousness

1. Apart from Legalism:
   • Not achievable by keeping the Law; emphasized repeatedly by Paul.
   • Law exists to highlight sin, not provide righteousness.
2. Built on Revelation:
   • Witnessed by the Law and the Prophets (Old Testament).
   • Consistent message: Righteousness by faith, not by works.
3. Acquired by Faith:
   • Righteousness comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all believers.
   • Faith is believing in God's promise revealed in the gospel.
4. Provided for All:
   • Universally for all who believe, regardless of background.
5. Given Freely through Grace:
   • Justification is a gift, not earned by human merit.
   • Grace is undeserved favor from God.

Redemption and Sacrifice

• Price of Righteousness:
  • Christ's sacrifice is the price paid for our redemption.
  • God displayed Jesus publicly as propitiation through His blood.
  • Propitiation means satisfying God's justice.

The Gift of Salvation

• Receiving Salvation:
  • It is a gift through faith, not by our works.
  • Emphasizes the importance of faith in Christ for justification.

Conclusion and Prayer

• Summary: Salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone.
• Prayer: A call for understanding and acceptance of the gospel's truth. A plea for salvation based on God's grace.