The Thesis Statement of Christendom: Romans 3:21-26
“21) But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22) even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction; 23) for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24) being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus; 25) whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; 26) for the demonstration, I say of His righteousness at the present time, that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.” Romans 3:21-26
It is going to take a several posts to adequately cover these verses, but it is essential to quote them as a whole. We now come the heart of the Gospel that Paul has been relentlessly working toward in the previous three chapters. Let me raise the obvious question; if all humanity is sinful and lost based on the requirements of the Law, how can God find a basis to forgive people and still remain Holy and Just? (See Romans 3:19-20)
It is not as easy as saying; “God’s love can make up the difference”; because love does not invalidate justice. For God to randomly forgive some people and condemn others would be cruel and reckless. God has to be consistent and remain true to Himself.
He needs a basis to satisfy His wrath and demonstrate His love in one stroke of the brush on the canvas of human redemption. As long as this text may appear at first glance, Romans 3:21-26 is that providential and ingenious stroke of the brush. This is the link that ties the whole Bible together.
Everything that came before in the Old Testament stories, the Law as given through Moses, the writings of the Old Testament Prophets… right through the Four Gospels are connected to the rest for the New Testament and the book of Revelation by these six action packed verses. This is the “Thesis Statement” of Christendom.
Paul is going to spend the next five chapters unpacking this mystery. He concludes by saying; “38) For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, 39) nor height, nor depth, nor any other created thing, will be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8:38-39
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
