Romans 3: 21-31
key verse: 25
After counting the sins of the Jewish and pagan world, Paul starts a new chapter with these words: "But now. . ." This is a great turning point in human history.
1. New righteousness is revealed (21-23)
Righteousness was always through the law; those who sinned were viewed as breakers of the law and it was considered inexorable. All Israelites who broke the law were sentenced to death and perished in the desert. God permitted them to resort to sacrifice in order to be sure of their salvation. But since they committed sin repeatedly, they had to start over with the sacrifice of reconciliation each year. Jesus' coming reveals a new righteousness: whoever believes in him will not be condemned, but will receive forgiveness once and for all.
2. The means of redemption (24-31)
Jesus is our means of redemption. According to the law, we should all have been condemned. However, through God's patience, we were not. We are still alive, though we are not different from prisoners who have received the death sentence and wait for the execution day to arrive. There will be no exception for pagans or for Jews; all are destined for it. However, God sent his son so that through the virtue of faith we would be freely forgiven. All sinners are made righteous through him, which was impossible through the law, and through faith alone, not through works, we are miraculously saved.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for doing the impossible so that a sinner like me could be forgiven through faith. I believed in his blood and all my sins were erased. I infinitely thank you.
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