Faith is the only way
by Stuart Gray
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There is no difference between Jew and Gentile, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus (Romans 3:22b–24).
Read Romans 3:21–31
Just as in yesterday’s passage, where Paul leaves us in no doubt about humanity’s sinfulness, and we cannot achieve righteousness through the law, in today’s passage, Paul leaves us in no doubt that it is through faith in Christ Jesus that we are justified.
The word ‘faith’ is used eight times in just 10 texts. Righteousness is used four times in the same passage.
Sin is universal – ‘there is no difference between Jew and Gentile’ – so it needs a universal solution for us to be in relationship with God; ‘… all are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.’
Paul packs a lot into this text. ‘All are justified’, that is, declared righteous. ‘Freely by his grace’; it is freely given, not earned, but a true gift of grace. ‘Through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus.’ ‘Redeemed’ means bought back, so something must be paid. Christ paid the price.
Paul goes on:
God presented Christ as a sacrifice of atonement, through the shedding of his blood – to be received by faith. He did this to demonstrate his righteousness, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished – he did it to demonstrate his righteousness at the present time, so as to be just and the one who justifies those who have faith in Jesus (verses 25 and 26).
This shows God’s justice. Because of God’s patience and forbearance, he left previous sins committed unpunished. He could have continued that way and ignored sin, but God deals with sin so that we can be in relationship with him through faith.
Having a relationship with God is something we can boast about, but Paul says that is excluded because we have not earned salvation; however, justification is by faith, not by works of the law, by our own efforts.
And finally, in this passage, Paul asks if we nullify the law by this faith. He answers: ‘Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.’ Faith doesn’t abolish the law, but the law is fulfilled in Christ’s death on the cross.
This is an amazing passage. A reference I used describes the first eight chapters of Paul’s letter to the Romans as the ‘heart of Christianity’. It is rewarding to take the time to study these chapters.
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for the sacrifice Christ has made so that through faith, we are justified in your sight. Uphold in us this faith, which we receive by your grace, and help us to be beacons for others to receive the faith that justifies. Amen.
Stuart is retired and, with his wife Pamela Dalgliesh, lives in Mansfield, Victoria. Stuart has a background in agricultural science, rural journalism and corporate affairs. He now loves living a peaceful life on a small farm in the beautiful High Country of Victoria. He mentors learner drivers and is a Red Cross Patient Transport driver. Stuart is also involved in the Mansfield Anglican church and the Mansfield community.
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