But Now (Dec 5)

Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.  But now a righteousness form God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and Prophets testify.  This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe.  There is no difference.  For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.
                      Romans 3:20-23 NIV

This short section in Romans 3 points us to Chirst as the one to put our faith in, who provides righteousness from God to us.  Following the law does not make us righteous. The law is a guide, a plumb line, a tool that we can use to shed light on, to show us, and to make us aware of our sin.  The law does not make us righteous or provide forgiveness of sin. 


Jesus is the righeousness from God to what the Law and Prophets testify.  Jesus is apart from the Law, but he does not abolish the Law, but rather fulfills the Law.  Jesus is the perfect one, that God planned from the beginning to effect our redemption from sin through.

For Jesus to provide our redemption, we must by faith, a gift in itself, believe in what He did for us.  It is through faith that so many blessings accrue.  In Romans chapter 4, we read that Abraham was justified by faith.  In Hebrews we will read of the role of faith in biblical leaders.

Our section today closes with the statement that all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.  Quite a take home message for those who might consider works as a means to righteousness.  It is not by works that we are saved.  Good works that we do should be done in response to what God has done for us through His Son, our Lord, Jesus.

How do you understand that you are saved from sin?

How do you understand that you have received the gift of eternal life?

If your understanding includes anything besides faith in Jesus Christ, please talk to a Christian leader or pastor;  it is by grace through faith that we are saved, apart from works...

Pray for a clear understanding of the gospel message.

In Christ,


David P