Romans 3:21–31 – “But Now…” The Righteousness of God Revealed
Romans 3:21–31 reveals that the righteousness of God is given through faith in Jesus Christ, apart from the law, as a gift of grace to all who believe.
There are moments in Scripture where everything changes in just two words.
“But now…”
After the weight of Romans 1–3—after the courtroom has gone silent, after every mouth has been stopped, after all humanity stands guilty before a holy God—Paul writes two of the most hope-filled words in all the Bible:
“But now…”
This is the turning point of the gospel.
This is where grace breaks in.
📖 Scripture: Romans 3:21–31 (ESV)
“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. It was to show his righteousness at the present time, sothat he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus. Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded. By what kind of law? By a law of works? No, but by the law of faith. For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law. Or is God the God of Jews only? Is he not the God of Gentiles also? Yes, of Gentiles also, since God is one—who will justify the circumcised by faith and the uncircumcised through faith. Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
🔑 The Great Turn: “But Now…” (Romans 3:21–22)
After proving that all are guilty, Paul now reveals that righteousness does not come from us—it comes from God.
The righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law.
This does not mean the law is ignored—it means the law pointed to something greater all along. The Law and the Prophets testified that a righteousness would come that man could never achieve on his own.
And now it has been revealed:
“The righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.”
Not earned.
Not achieved.
Not deserved.
Received—by faith.
⚖️ The Universal Problem and the Glorious Gift (Romans 3:23–24)
“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.”
This is the final verdict of Romans 1–3.
All.
Every person.
No exceptions.
We have not merely made mistakes—we have fallen short of God’s glory, His perfection, His holiness.
But immediately, Paul gives us one of the most beautiful contrasts in Scripture:
“…and are justified by his grace as a gift…”
Justified means declared righteous.
Not made better.
Not given a second chance.
Declared righteous in God’s sight.
And how?
“By his grace as a gift.”
🩸 The Cost: Redemption and Propitiation (Romans 3:25–26)
This gift was not free—it was purchased.
“Through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus…”
Redemption means to be bought back—to be rescued at a cost.
And the cost?
“Whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood…”
Propitiation means a sacrifice that satisfies the wrath of God.
This is where justice and mercy meet.
God did not ignore sin.
God did not overlook sin.
God judged sin—fully—in Jesus Christ.
At the cross:
- God’s wrath was satisfied
- God’s justice was upheld
- God’s mercy was extended
“…so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”
🚫 No Boasting – The Law of Faith (Romans 3:27–28)
“Then what becomes of our boasting? It is excluded.”
There is no room for pride at the foot of the cross.
No one stands before God and says, “Look what I did.”
Because salvation is not achieved—it is received.
“For we hold that one is justified by faith apart from works of the law.”
This is the heartbeat of the gospel:
Faith alone.
Grace alone.
Christ alone.
🌍 One God, One Way of Salvation (Romans 3:29–30)
Paul removes any remaining division:
God is not just the God of the Jews—He is the God of all.
And there is only one way to be made right with Him:
By faith.
Jew and Gentile alike must come the same way:
Empty-handed.
Humble.
Trusting in Christ alone.
📜 Faith Upholds the Law (Romans 3:31)
“Do we then overthrow the law by this faith? By no means! On the contrary, we uphold the law.”
Faith does not discard the law—it fulfills its purpose.
The law was never meant to save.
The law was meant to:
- Reveal God’s holiness
- Expose our sin
- Lead us to Christ
And now, through faith, the law is honored because its purpose is complete.
❤️ What Should This Produce in Us?
- Humility – There is no room for boasting
- Gratitude – Salvation is a gift
- Worship – Christ paid the full price
- Faith – We trust completely in Jesus
We stood condemned.
We stood without hope.
But now…
Righteousness has been revealed.
Grace has been given.
Christ has paid the price.
And all who believe are saved.
🔗 Continue Learning
- How Do We Know the Bible Is the Word of God?
- What Is the Gospel? A Clear Biblical Explanation
- Who Chose the Books of the Bible?
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In the love of Christ,
Barry
