Romans 3:21-26

Romans 3:21-26 (WEB) But now apart from the law, a righteousness of God has been revealed, being testified by the law and the prophets; even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ to all and on all those who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned, and fall short of the glory of God; being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus; whom God sent to be an atoning sacrifice, through faith in his blood, for a demonstration of his righteousness through the passing over of prior sins, in God's forbearance; to demonstrate his righteousness at this present time; that he might himself be just, and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus.

🔑 Key Points

1. A Righteousness Apart from the Law

Sproul emphasizes that God's righteousness is now revealed completely apart from law-keeping. The Old Testament law and prophets pointed forward to it, but the actual righteousness that saves comes only through faith in Jesus Christ — not through our own obedience.

2. No Distinction — All Have Sinned

Paul levels the ground at the foot of the cross: Jew and Gentile alike have sinned and fall short of God's glory. Sproul stresses that no one can claim moral superiority; every person stands equally in need of grace.

3. Justified Freely by Grace

Justification is a legal declaration — God pronounces the guilty righteous, not because they are innocent, but because Christ's perfect righteousness is imputed to them. This is received freely by grace through the redemption accomplished in Christ Jesus.

4. Propitiation: God's Justice Satisfied

Sproul explains that Christ is the atoning sacrifice (propitiation) — His blood satisfies God's wrath against sin. God did not simply overlook past sins; He bore their penalty in Christ so that His justice is fully satisfied.

5. God Is Both Just and Justifier

The climactic truth: through the cross, God remains perfectly just while justifying sinners who have faith in Jesus. The dilemma of how a holy God can forgive guilty sinners is resolved in Christ's substitutionary atonement.

💬 Discussion Questions

What does it mean that righteousness comes 'apart from the law'? How does this challenge our natural instinct to earn God's favor?
Sproul says the cross shows God is 'just and the justifier.' Why is this truth so central to the Christian faith, and how does it comfort you?

📖 The Passage