But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. Romans 3:21 NIV

Chapter three of Paul’s letter to the Romans details the faithfulness and righteousness of God. As the Lord entrusted his word to the Jewish people, Paul taught that God faithfully made mankind conscious of sin through the prophets and the revelation of his law. The law of God established the fact that all men and women sin.  From the law, we understand the will of God. From our failure to perfectly follow the word and will of God, we understand our need for God’s grace.

God’s faithfulness extends beyond the law. Our heavenly Father gave us both the law that exposed our sin and Christ who in God’s righteousness paid the price for our sins. The law condemns mankind because of the corruption of sin. As Paul wrote in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV” This is true for Jews and Gentiles alike. 

The Gift of God

Jesus Christ is the righteousness of God. Our Savior fulfilled God’s plan for the redemption of mankind  through his obedient life and sacrificial death on the cross. Repentant sinners receive the grace of God’s forgiveness through faith in Jesus. As we read in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. KJV”

God made the truth of his righteousness known apart from the law in the life of Christ. The Lord left sin unpunished until Jesus’ death on the cross. He did so in order to demonstrate his patience and righteousness. For those who turn from sin and place their faith in Christ, God extends his forgiveness. As we read in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV”

Yesterday’s Devotional: The Holy Scriptures