01.17

Righteousness through Christ in Justification "But now the righteousness of God apart from
the law is revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, even the righteousness
of God, through faith in Jesus Christ, to all and on all who believe. For there is no
difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, being justified freely
by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. (Romans 3:21-24)"

The basic manner in which Jesus fulfills the law of God for us is by justifying us "freely
by His grace." He does this by offering us "the righteousness of God through faith."

In the gospel of Jesus Christ, "the righteousness of God apart from the law is revealed."
It is the same righteousness that is spoken of in the law, that is, "being witnessed by
the Law." In the law, righteousness is an impossible standard being imposed. In the
gospel, righteousness is a gracious gift being offered.

This gift of righteousness is available to all who believe, to all who put their trust in
the Lord Jesus Christ to be their Savior and Lord. This gift is, of course, free to the
recipients. Yet, it was made available at great cost to the giver. This gift cost the
Father His only begotten Son. This gift cost the Son His own life, as He paid the price of
redemption to buy us back from the slave market of sin and death.

Every person ever created needs this redemption price paid for them. "For there is no
difference; for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God." Now, for all who
believe in the Lord Jesus, the righteousness of God is imputed to them (that is, credited
as a gift to their heavenly account). Thereby, the Lord God justifies us "freely by His
grace." The Lord declares us righteous in His sight by giving to us "the righteousness of
God which is through faith."

"Dear Lord, I am so grateful that Your message of righteousness did not come through the
law alone. Otherwise, Lord, I would have been condemned before You forever. Thank You for
speaking to us of righteousness through Your glorious gospel of grace. I rejoice in You
that I am now righteous in Your sight, through faith in Your beloved Son. Lord, I am
learning that the righteousness I need for daily sanctification must also come from Jesus,
by that same grace, through that same kind of trust. What good, good news is Your grand
gospel! I magnify and praise You through Christ, my Lord, Amen."