Scripture
By Sister Raufu Spagnoletta
Scripture Lesson Text: Romans 3:21-31
Related Scriptures: Ephesians 1:7-14; 2:8-9; Hebrews 9:1-15
This week, Paul begins the discussion of God's solution to humanity's sin problem. God extends His own righteousness to sinful man on the basis of faith in Christ, without the law. This is the essence of God's plan of salvation in Christ. In Ephesians 1:7-14, Paul details our spiritual blessings in Christ, "In whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of His grace; In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined; In whom after ye believed ye were sealed with that Holy Spirit of promise, which is the earnest of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of His glory" (vss.7, 11, 13-14).
Our salvation is the gift of God according to Ephesians 2:8-9, "For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast." Hebrews 9: 1-15 (NLT),teaches us why Jesus is the perfect sacrifice, "For the gifts and sacrifices that the priests offer are not able to cleanse the consciences of the people who bring them" (vs. 9). "So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come, He has entered that
greater more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world" (vs. 11).
"With His own blood-not the blood of goats and calves- he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.”( Hebrews 9:12 NLT). “Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered Himself to God as a perfect sacrifice (propitiation) for our sins. That is why He is the one who mediates a new covenant between God and people, so that all who are called can receive the eternal inheritance God has promised them" (vs. 14-15).
Synopsis
By Elder Janice Hall
Righteousness from God can be defined as: it’s apart from the law, it’s through faith, and it’s by the work of Christ. The law was not given to purify but to teach, showing us our need for Christ. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.”(Galatians 3:24) It is through faith in Jesus because of the work that He did that secures our salvation. This righteousness is defined by God and comes from God.
In this passage, there are three words that describe the work of Christ. We see the word, justification that can be described as an act of God, in which He declares that a person is not guilty and declared righteous. Redemption is a biblical term that means,” a purchase “ or “ ransom”, going from bondage to freedom through a new life in Christ. Propitiation can be described as to turn away wrath or appease anger. The holiness of God, not able to overlook sin, and the love of God not willing that any should perish, resulted in propitiation.
Salvation is made possible because of the redemptive work found in Christ, at the cross. God demonstrated His righteousness by offering man justification while remaining just. Jesus’ death for sinners offers forgiveness to all. His resurrection from the dead makes a new life possible when repentant sinners place faith in Him. Our response of thankfulness for God’s provision of salvation allows us daily to worship Him in obedience and share our faith with others, that righteousness is only through Christ!
Practical Application
By Brother Marshal Arnwine
In a broad sense, righteousness is defined as a condition acceptable to God. The righteousness of God extends to all who place their faith in Jesus Christ. This righteousness comes from God and is defined by God. It is not based on human standards of measure. Because God’s righteousness is not based on human standards, acting in righteousness is not a quality that comes to people naturally because our human nature is not pure.
However, do not fret because there is still hope even in the midst of our human nature being impure. The first step in not losing hope is putting your trust in Jesus Christ for God’s righteousness. Next, as believers it is important to remember that without Jesus Christ’s blood sacrifice, we would have no hope at all to live righteously before God. But, when we believe in Jesus Christ we receive the redemption Jesus Christ purchased through His death. Through Jesus Christ’s death we can become justified or declared righteous by God.
Lastly, remembering not to boast is a vital component in experiencing God’s righteousness through faith. When a person truly understands justification and salvation by faith alone, you will want to resist the urge to boast because you know that it is all God’s grace. As believers we must remember that God’s righteousness is a gift that is unearned, unmerited and undeserved. But, because God loves us, we can humbly receive that gift. Therefore, we should be eager to share our faith with believers and non believers so that they too can experience God’s gift of righteousness through faith!
