We maintain therefore that a man is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. Romans 3:28 WEB

Paul begins the third chapter of Romans with a statement concerning the advantages of being a Jew. After discussing the honor of being entrusted with the word of God, he concludes that there is no advantage in being a Jew. His conclusion is based on the fact that both Jew and Gentile are under the power of sin. In other words, there are no righteous people but only a righteous God.

Writing that a man is justified by faith, Paul gives a summary of his previous seven verses. He makes the argument that there is no difference between Jews and Gentiles saying in Romans 3:23-24, “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. WEB”

The meaning of these statements is clear. As sinful people, we are not seen as righteous through our works. Our own efforts cannot justify us before a righteous God. That is to say that a man cannot stand before God on his own having no sin worthy of judgment and punishment. Because of our sin, we have earned God’s wrath and condemnation.

The Righteousness of Christ

Therefore, we need the righteousness of Christ as a substitute for our sinful selves. This is God’s plan for our salvation. We are justified by faith in Christ. Although without sin himself, he went to the cross to pay for our sins. He was the only man in history to live without sin. This qualified him to pay for the sins of others because his death could not result from his own sin.

If anyone else had died on the cross, they would simply be paying for their own iniquity. As the scripture says in Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. WEB” Our sinless Savior died as a suitable, sufficient sacrifice for our sin. Through faith in him, we are justified, restored to right standing with God.

Yesterday’s Devotional: Perfect in Jesus Christ