Topic: “But Now” (Romans 3:21-31)

The first two words of Romans 3:21 are a welcomed transition, “But now…” Reading the previous verses all the way back to chapter 1, Paul has presented the ugliness of sin. “But now,” provides a positive turning point we all need to hear that gives us hope because no one is worthy before God.

“But now,” refers to the coming of Jesus. At the right moment, God manifested Himself through His son, Jesus. We cannot be made righteous on our own. Even the Law does not make us righteous but rather condemns us. The only solution is for God—who is righteous—to rescue us. The very one who gave the Law to reveal our sin must also provide righteousness to save us. This is what Paul is sharing in the first two words in Romans 3:21—the righteousness of God Himself.

Important words to be defined:

"Justified" means to make, regard as and declare someone to be just, righteous or innocent. Wayne Grudem defines justification as "an instantaneous legal act of God in which He considers our sins to be forgiven and Christ's righteousness to belong to us." Justification is God's legal declaration that believers are free from blame or guilt. It is a pardon for all of our crimes against God.
"Redemption" talks about buying a slave out of slavery in order to set him free. It's the idea of buying someone's freedom by the payment of a ransom.
"Propitiation" is a word you may have never heard, and a word you will probably never hear outside of church. But it is a very important word that Paul used in vs. 24-26. "Propitiation" deals with the place of mercy. The most literal translation is "Mercy Seat," and Jesus is our mercy seat. The means in which God justified and redeemed is through the propitiation of Jesus.

When you believe the gospel, you believe the promise of God—“But now.” How do you receive the righteousness of God? By believing that He will give you His righteousness if you put your trust in Christ. Simply believing (the promise of the gospel). It was true of Abraham (Romans 4) and it’s true of everyone else. That is why salvation is called the gift of God, not of works (Ephesians 2:9). Having believed, we receive as a gift the righteousness of God given to us. Believed what? Believed God’s promise. God’s promise in the gospel is a promise in Christ.

It is amazing how important two simple words are.

See you Sunday!

Dr. Scott Kallem