Good news: I’m acquitted - not guilty!
Romans 3:21-4:25
Good news:
1. The facts (3:21 -31) All can be righteous ‘as all have sinned’
- Remember what righteousness is: it’s uprightness; - state of acquittal.
- Now the facts that relate to this:
a) It’s gained apart from the law (21, 27): law condemns
b) It comes from god (22): He’s righteous
c) It’s through Christ (22, 25, 27)
- His redemption (24)
- His sacrifice for atonement (25) cf. 2 Cor. 5:21
d) It’s through faith (22, 25, 27)
- faith in Him (22); in His blood (25)
- it’s faith on my part and faith alone (27)
e) It’s free (24)
f) It’s by grace (24, 25) - unmerited favour
g) It’s just (25, 26)
h) It’s for all (22, 23, 29, 30)
- all fall short - all may be freely justified (22, 23)
- Jew & Gentile - He is God of all (29, 30 - cf. 11:32)
Now turn to the illustration (4:1-25 - life of Abraham)
2. The illustration - Abraham (4:1-25)
Note the meaning of ‘to justify’ - to declare righteous. It’s related to judgement and lawcourts
a) I’m justified by faith, not works (1-8)
Abraham trusted God - didn’t earn it (3); Gen. 15:6
b) I’m justified according to need, not status or race (9-12)
Abraham was not justified through circumcision or covenant relationship
c) I’m justified by grace, not law (13-17)
Righteousness is unmerited - unmerited favour cf. Eph. 2:1-
d) I’m justified - I can be certain and not doubt (18-25)
Abraham had a certain hope when all seemed hopeless
God promised: Abraham believed & kept on believing
Not for Abraham alone, but for us (23-25)