Romans 3:21-31 But now a righteousness from God, apart from law, has been made known, to which the Law and the Prophets testify. 22 This righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. 25 God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood. He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished– 26 he did it to demonstrate his justice 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. On what principle? On that of observing the law? No, but on that of faith. 28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from observing the law. 29 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.
1 . God is eternal, uncreated, and does not change.
Hebrews 13:8, Malachi 3:6, Number 23:19
Additional Notes:
2 . Forgiveness, justification and righteousness are given to believers by grace through faith and are not obtained by observance of the law or our own works.
Ephesians 2:8-9, Galatians 2:16 & 2:21, Titus 3:5, Romans 4:5, John 6:29, Genesis 15:6
Additional Notes:
3 . God’s law is to love Him and love others. Forgiveness helps us uphold it and live it out more fully.
Romans 12:1-2, Galatians 5:4, Matthew 22:38-40, 1 John 1:9
Additional Notes:
John 6:38-40 NIV84 “For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me. And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all that he has given me, but raise them up at the last day. For my Father’s will is that everyone who looks to the Son and believes in him shall have eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day.”
Discussion Questions:
- What was your biggest takeaway from this teaching?
- Is there a difference between being pardoned and being justified?
- Why do you think people prefer trying to earn justification rather than receiving it as a gift?
- What is the most difficult part of these verses for you to understand?
- If you believe every verse in this section to be absolutely 100% true how should it affect the way we live?
- When we have a hard time accepting God has forgiven those who have put their faith in Him, what should we do?
- Pray for each other.
Next Week’s Message: Romans 4:1-12