Romans 3:21-31
21 But now apart from the law the righteousness of God has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished— 26 he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
27 Where, then, is boasting? It is excluded. Because of what law? The law that requires works? No, because of the law that requires faith. 28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law. 29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles too? Yes, of Gentiles too, 30 since there is only one God, who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through that same faith. 31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.
What is the problem with the world?
Dear sirs, I am.
-Yours GK Chesterton
Pharisee and Tax Collector
Verse 23: For ALL have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God
23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.
Three theological words:
Redemption, Propitiation (Sacrifice of Atonement), Justification
Redeem- To be set free from the bondage of slavery by the payment of a price
Hosea & Gomer
Hosea 3:1-2
The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” So I bought her for fifteen shekels[a] of silver and about a homer and a lethek of barley
Propitiation- Sacrifice of Atonement- - To turn away wrath, appease or satisfy anger
Just and Justifier
so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus.
Hilasterion- Mercy Seat-
Justification- legal term, innocent
Forgiveness vs Justification
Grace through faith
24 and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement,[through the shedding of his blood—to be received by faith.
By Grace Through Faith!
Then again in verse 28
28 For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.
Do vs. Done
Mark 10 - Rich Young Ruler and Bartimaeus
Romans 3:20 says
Therefore no one will be declared righteous in God’s sight by the works of the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of our sin.
Mark 10:47
47 he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!”
Jesus, What must I do? vs. Jesus, Have mercy on me?
Mathew 9:12-13 Jesus says..
“It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. But go and learn what this means: ‘I desire mercy, not sacrifice.’ For I have not come to call the righteous, but sinners.”
Thomas Schreiner says:
As Christians we need to relearn the gospel every day. We are prone to wander, as the old hymn says, and hence we may act as if a spell has been cast over us. The Christian life is a battle to rely on the gospel, and even as Christians we are inclined to look to ourselves and trust in our own achievements rather than relying solely on the cross of Christ.
Small Group Questions:
Exploring the Text:
1. Read Romans 3:21-26 together. What stands out to you in this passage?
2. Paul says in verse 23 that “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Why is it important for us to recognize our sin before we can fully understand the gospel?
3. The passage introduces three key theological words: Redemption, Propitiation (Sacrifice of Atonement), and Justification.
• How does Paul describe redemption in this passage? (See also Hosea 3:1-2—how does Hosea’s story illustrate what it means to be redeemed?)
• What does it mean that Christ is a “sacrifice of atonement” (propitiation)? How does this change our understanding of God’s justice and mercy?
• How would you explain justification to someone who has never heard of it before? How is justification different from forgiveness?
Grace vs. Works:
4. Read Romans 3:28 – “For we maintain that a person is justified by faith apart from the works of the law.”
• Why do you think we, even as Christians, often struggle to trust in grace alone rather than our own efforts?
• How do the stories of the Rich Young Ruler (Mark 10:17-22) and Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) illustrate the difference between relying on works vs. receiving grace through faith?
5. Thomas Schreiner says, “As Christians, we need to relearn the gospel every day.” How do we practically remind ourselves to rely on the gospel instead of trusting in our own achievements?
Personal Reflection & Application:
6. In what ways do you sometimes approach God like the Rich Young Ruler, asking, “What must I do?” rather than like Bartimaeus, crying out, “Have mercy on me”?
7. Jesus says in Matthew 9:12-13 that He came not for the righteous, but for sinners. How does this challenge the way we see ourselves and others?
8. What would it look like this week to live with the confidence that you are fully justified by grace through faith and not by your own efforts?
Closing Prayer:
• Spend time thanking God for His redemption, atonement, and justification through Christ.
• Pray that you would daily remember and rely on the gospel rather than your own works.