Romans 3:21-31 gives us essential truth and
a concise theology of the cross that we must know and understand.
May your hearts be encouraged to know deeply the glory of the cross each day!
1. The Cross Declares the Word of God
Rom. 3:21 ¶ But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been manifested, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets,
2. The Cross Defines Salvation as the Work of God
Rom. 3:22 even the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction;
3. The Cross Demands the Glory of God
Rom. 3:23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,
4. The Cross Distinguishes the Grace of God
Rom. 3:24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;
5. The Cross Displays the Satisfaction of God
Rom. 3:25a whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith…
6. The Cross Demonstrates the Righteousness of God
Rom. 3:25b This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in the forbearance of God He passed over the sins previously committed; Rom. 3:26a for the demonstration, I say, of His righteousness at the present time…
7. The Cross Delights the Person of God
Rom. 3:26b so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.
8. The Cross Divests Man of all Boasting Before God
Rom. 3:27 Where then is boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? Of works? No, but by a law of faith. Rom. 3:28 For we maintain that a man is justified by faith apart from works of the Law. Rom. 3:29 Or is God the God of Jews only? Is He not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, Rom. 3:30 since indeed God who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith is one. Rom. 3:31 ¶ Do we then nullify the Law through faith? May it never be! On the contrary, we establish the Law.