Righteousness Made Manifest

“Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world may be held accountable to God. For no one is declared righteous before him by the works of the law, for through the law comes the knowledge of sin. But now apart from the law the righteousness of God (although it is attested by the law and the prophets has been disclosed—namely, the righteousness of God through the faithfulness of Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God. But they are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God publicly displayed him at his death as the mercy seat accessible through faith. This was to demonstrate his righteousness, because God in his forbearance had passed over the sins previously committed. This was also to demonstrate his righteousness in the present time, so that he would be just and the justifier of the one who lives because of Jesus’ faithfulness.” Romans 3:19-26 NET

Paul’s emphasis on the law serves a profound and thought-provoking purpose in the context of Christian theology. In many interpretations, it becomes clear that the primary role of the law is not to guide individuals toward righteousness through strict adherence to a set of rules, but rather to unveil the true nature of sin, revealing our inherent shortcomings and moral failures. By highlighting the impossibility of achieving perfection through our own efforts, the law draws attention to our deep and abiding need for salvation. This understanding compels us to reflect on our relationship with grace, emphasizing that true transformation comes not from self-righteousness but from embracing God’s unmerited favor and love. This perspective invites a richer exploration of how grace empowers us to live authentically and in alignment with God’s purposes for our lives.

Romans 8:3-4 powerfully articulates this idea: “For God achieved what the law could not do because it was weakened through the flesh. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and concerning sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, so that the righteous requirement of the law may be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

The phrase “the law” primarily denotes the Old Testament, particularly the Torah, which comprises the first five books attributed to Moses. Many theological interpretations emphasize that the primary function of the Mosaic Law is to reveal the true nature of sin, essentially outlining moral and ethical guidelines while simultaneously demonstrating humanity’s inherent inability to meet these standards. This inability is not merely a matter of failing to follow rules; it signifies a more profound spiritual condition that separates us from divine holiness. As a result, the law is a powerful illustration of our desperate need for a savior who can bridge that gap and restore our relationship with God.

Paul powerfully conveys that the core of God’s righteousness is dramatically unveiled through Jesus Christ’s unwavering faithfulness. This message transcends mere human actions; it explores Jesus’s profound identity as fully divine and human, showcasing His extraordinary capacity to embody our righteousness.

Jesus demonstrated steadfast obedience to His heavenly Father throughout His earthly ministry, even in the face of immense trials and suffering. His experience of learning obedience through hardship illustrates the depth of His commitment. As the writer of Hebrews 5:8-9 compellingly states, “Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And by being perfected this way, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him.”

This profound truth highlights Jesus’ journey of obedience and resilience and illuminates the transformative power of His faithfulness. It underscores the incredible promise of salvation, which is offered freely to all who respond with obedience and a willingness to fully embrace Him. This invitation to salvation is not just a call to belief, but a call to a life of faithfulness and commitment that reflects the character of Christ.

God powerfully showcased Jesus’s death as the ultimate mercy seat, a sacred place of atonement made accessible to all who believe through faith. This monumental act reveals the depth of God’s righteousness while highlighting His extraordinary patience and long-suffering nature in the face of humanity’s countless past sins. By passing over these transgressions, God demonstrated His willingness to forgive and invited us into a transformative relationship, offering hope, redemption, and a renewed life. This mercy is a testament to God’s boundless love and grace to all who seek Him.

Through the unwavering faithfulness of Jesus, God vividly demonstrated that He is the sole embodiment of justice and righteousness. This profound truth reveals that only through Him can humanity find genuine justification and redemption. Jesus is the essential link for all people; without Him, there is no proper path to salvation or reconciliation with God. Remarkably, God’s own Son willingly became the exclusive means through which all humanity must enter His divine favor and experience eternal life. This underscores the central role of Jesus in God’s redemptive plan, highlighting the urgency of embracing Him for restoration and hope.

Notably, the decision to receive or reject this grace lies entirely with us. Our choices serve as a compass, determining the trajectory of our eternal destinies. We can choose to dwell in the comforting light and boundless mercy of our Creator, engaging in a vibrant relationship with Him, or we can find ourselves in the outer darkness, a place devoid of His presence and love. The reality of our choices is profound: our decision shapes our spiritual outcome and reflect our willingness to embrace the incredible gift of salvation.

Though we are all called God’s children, the nature of our relationship with Him can significantly vary. Like the story of the prodigal Son, some of us draw near and experience the intimate closeness and joy of being in the Father’s house. In contrast, others wander, longing for the love and fulfillment that can only be found in His embrace. The choice before us is critical; it is not just a fleeting moment but a pivotal step toward the life and purpose we are meant to live. Choose wisely, for your decision echoes into eternity.

Considering the scriptures that tell us that this plan had been in the works since the beginning of the world, only further solidifies the depth of God’s wisdom in making this way of salvation. Ephesians 1:4 states, “For He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him in love.” This isn’t just a script or role we step into like a play; it is a carefully devised plan that allows us to receive the transformative grace that forms us and makes us more like Jesus, or to reject it. That choice belongs to us. Our choice determines where we spend our eternal destination, either in close propinquity to the light and mercy of our Creator, or in the outer darkness, removed from nearness to His presence. Our choice is one of destiny and determination based simply upon our willingness to receive the gift of salvation or to reject it. Our salvation determines our position in Christ. We are all called his children, but like the prodigal Son, some are home, sharing in the closeness of the Father, while others are far away, only longing for what they do not have.

Stephen Barnett