Truth Rightly Divided

Romans 3:21-31

 NGH BIBLE STUDY – ROMANS – OUTLINE #7

The Provision of Righteousness by Faith (Romans 3:21-31)

This passage provides the critical “turning point” of the early part of the book (“But now”). To this point, Paul has been methodically progressing to the universal condemnation of man – which is summarized in Rm 3:23 “all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God”. Paul will now methodically explain the gospel – God’s righteousness will now be available by grace through faith “unto all and upon all those who believe” (Rm 3:22).

Outline

Rm 3:21,22-23 – Righteousness Revealed

  • Comes from God – not through human effort
  • Prophesied in the old testament – not a “surprise” new concept
  • It’s available to all – because all have sinned

Rm 3:24,25,26 – A Foundational Statement of Salvation (what God has done)

  • Justification by grace
  • Redemption that is in Christ Jesus
  • Propitiation by his blood
  • Through faith
  • God is just – and the justifier of him who has faith in Jesus

Rm 3:27,28-29,30-31

  • The absolute contrast between works and faith (law of works vs law of faith)
  • Universal in its application to mankind – One God – One Basis for Salvation
  • The gospel doesn’t contradict the law – it establishes the law

Key Points/Questions for Discussion

  1. Is there a distinction between the terms “the righteousness of Christ” and “the righteousness of God”?
  2. Provide some examples of where “the righteousness of God apart from the law” is “witnessed by the Law and the Prophets” (Rm 3:21). Where do we see foreshadowings of this truth in the Old Testament?
  3. How does “falling short of the glory of God” (Rm 3:23) expand our understanding of sin beyond simply “transgressing the law”? (“breaking the rules” vs “missing the mark”)
  4. Explain the three key “gospel terms” in Rm 3:24,25 – justification, redemption, propitiation
  5. Note the emphasis on the universal nature of this truth – “there is no difference” (Rm 3:22), “unto all and upon all those who believe” (Rm 3:22), “all have sinned” (Rm 3:23), “God of the Jews and “God of the Gentiles” (Rm 3:29)
  6. In what sense do the truths in this section “establish the law” as opposed to “making void” (or “overthrowing” the law?